Respiratory and Circulatory Systems: A Collaborative Transport Network

This lesson explores the collaboration between the respiratory and circulatory systems in transporting nutrients, gases, and other molecules throughout the body. It emphasizes the importance of these systems, especially during respiratory-affecting pandemics.

Respiratory System

• Key Components and Functions

  • Trachea: Connects the pharynx and larynx to the lungs, allowing air passage.

  • Bronchi: Main passageways into the lungs.

  • Bronchioles: Smaller branches carrying air to alveoli.

  • Lungs: Primary respiratory organs for gas exchange.

  • Air Sacs/Alveoli: Structures where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.

Circulatory System

Blood Vessels

• Arteries: Carry blood away from the heart; branch into arterioles and capillaries.

• Capillaries: Tiny vessels for nutrient and waste exchange.

• Veins: Carry blood toward the heart, formed by venules.

Blood Flow

• Movement of blood through vessels, tissues, or organs driven by ventricular contraction.

Comparison of Arteries and Veins

Heart and Blood Circulation

• Chambers of the Heart

  • Atria: Receiving chambers that push blood into ventricles.

  • Ventricles: Pumping chambers propelling blood to lungs or body.

• Pulmonary Circuit: Transports blood to/from the lungs for gas exchange.

• Systemic Circuit: Transports oxygenated blood to body tissues and returns deoxygenated blood.

Dual System of Human Blood Circulation

1. Blood flows from the right atrium to the right ventricle, then to the pulmonary circuit.

2. Gas exchange in pulmonary capillaries (\text{O}2 in, CO2 out).

3. Oxygen-rich blood returns to the left atrium, then to the left ventricle.

4. Blood is pumped into the systemic circuit for nutrient delivery and waste pickup.

5. Blood returns to the right atrium, and the cycle repeats.

Blood Flow Order

1. Venules

2. Capillaries

3. Veins

4. Inferior vena cava & superior vena cava

5. Right atrium

6. Right ventricle

7. Tricuspid valve

8. Pulmonary semilunar valve

9. Pulmonary arteries

10. Lungs

11. Pulmonary veins

12. Left atrium

13. Mitral Valve

14. Left Ventricle

15. Aortic semilunar valve

16. Aorta

17. Arteries

18. Arterioles

Activities

Venn Diagram of Respiratory and Circulatory Systems

• Respiratory System: Larynx, Lungs, Nose, Pharynx, Trachea

• Circulatory System: Arteries, Blood, Heart, Capillaries, Pumps blood, Veins, Valve

• Both: Bronchioles, Gas exchange, Uses oxygen