Cardiovascular System Functions

Pulmonary circuit

Exchange gas across the alveolar membrane to supply oxygenated blood to the rest of the body and eliminate CO2

Systemic circuit

Carries oxygenated blood to the body and eliminates waste and CO2

Artery

Distribute oxygen-rich blood to body

Arterioles

Control blood pressure and blood flow throughout body

Capillary

Bring nutrients and oxygen to cells in organs

Venule

Receive blood from capillaries and exchange oxygen and nutrients for water products

Vein

Collect oxygen-poor blood and return it to the heart

Pericardium

Protective layer around heart and holds heart and vessels in place, prevent expanding too much or filling with too much blood

Fibrous pericardium

Attaches to diaphragm, tough outmost layer of pericardium and prevents heart from expanding too much

Serous pericardium

Inner layer of pericardium, produces pericardial fluid that lubricates heart as it beats

Parietal pericardium

Outer layer of serous pericardium, helps further cushion and lubricate heart and pericardial sac

Visceral pericardium (Epicardium)

Protects heart, producing factors that help cardiac cells properly develop and ensure proper response to cardiac cell injury. Stabilizes and holds coronary blood vessels in place.

Pericardial cavity

Lubricates and cushions heart to beat properly