The Human Circulatory System

Vocabulary flashcards covering the components, structure, and mechanisms of the human circulatory system based on the provided lecture notes.

Circulatory System

The body system whose function is to transport blood, and nutrients to the body and remove waste from the body.

Heart

An organ made of cardiac muscle that works as a pump to move blood around the body.

Cardiac Muscle

A special type of muscle that cannot be controlled on your own and works constantly all day and night to pump blood throughout the body.

Atria

The two upper chambers of the heart, comprising the right atrium and left atrium.

Ventricles

The two lower chambers of the heart, comprising the right ventricle and left ventricle.

Right Atrium

The chamber of the heart that takes in blood carrying carbon dioxide.

Right Ventricle

The chamber of the heart that receives blood from the right atrium and sends it to the lungs, where oxygen replaces carbon dioxide.

Left Atrium

The chamber of the heart that receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.

Left Ventricle

The chamber of the heart that pumps oxygenated blood out to start its journey throughout the body.

Blood Vessels

Tubes or channels that carry blood throughout the body, spanning approximately 60,000 miles (96,560 km) in length in an average adult human body.

Artery

A type of blood vessel that carries blood out of the heart, featuring the thickest, strong, and elastic walls to endure high pressure.

Aorta

The biggest artery in the body, located near the heart.

Vein

A type of blood vessel that carries blood back into the heart, featuring thin, less elastic walls and special valves to prevent the backflow of blood.

Capillary

A type of blood vessel with the thinnest wall, allowing substances such as oxygen and sugars to pass into or out of the blood.