Blood Circulation
Blood circulation
Blood circulation is the process by which blood is transported throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells and removing waste products. There are two main types of blood circulation: systemic circulation and pulmonary circulation.
Systemic circulation
Systemic circulation involves the transport of oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body, and the return of oxygen-poor blood to the heart. Oxygen-rich blood is pumped from the left ventricle of the heart through the aorta, the largest artery in the body. The blood then travels through smaller arteries and capillaries, delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells. After oxygen and nutrients have been delivered, oxygen-poor blood is collected by veins and returned to the right atrium of the heart.
Pulmonary circulation
Pulmonary circulation involves the transport of oxygen-poor blood from the heart to the lungs, where it picks up oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. Oxygen-poor blood is pumped from the right ventricle of the heart through the pulmonary artery, which splits into two branches to carry blood to each lung. In the lungs, blood flows through tiny capillaries surrounding the alveoli, where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen-rich blood is then collected by the pulmonary veins and returned to the left atrium of the heart.
Summary
Understanding the processes of systemic and pulmonary circulation helps to illustrate how the circulatory system functions to deliver oxygen and nutrients to cells and remove waste products. This efficient circulation of blood is essential for maintaining homeostasis in the body.