Cardiovascular System Notes

Cardiovascular System

Function

  • Transports nutrients, gases, and wastes around the body.

Major Organs

  • Heart
  • Blood Vessels
  • Blood

Blood Composition

  • Whole Blood Components:
    • Plasma
    • White Blood Cells and Platelets
    • Red Blood Cells

Blood Separation

  • In a centrifuge, blood separates:
    • Plasma rises to the top
    • Formed elements (white blood cells, platelets, red blood cells) settle at the bottom

Blood Analysis

  • Composition:
    • 55% Plasma (yellowish liquid)
    • 1% White Blood Cells and Platelets (buffy coat)
    • 44% Red Blood Cells (pellet)
  • Hematocrit: Percentage of red blood cells measured in blood tests.

Physical Characteristics of Blood

  • 5 times more viscous than water
  • Color: ranges from bright red to purplish due to oxygen content
  • Blood is NEVER blue!
  • pH range: 7.35 - 7.45
  • Total volume: Approx. 5-6 liters in the body

Plasma Composition

  • 90% Water
  • 10% Dissolved substances (gases, salts, minerals, nutrients, enzymes, hormones, waste, proteins)
    • Albumin: Regulates osmosis between blood and tissues
    • Globulins: Transport substances or fight infection
    • Fibrinogen: Used in blood clotting
  • Composition is regulated by homeostasis.