Cardiovascular System—Part II: Blood and Blood Vessels
Learning Objectives
- Identify the anatomy of the blood vessels and blood
- Describe the main functions of the blood vessels and blood
- Spell terms relating to the blood vessels and blood and use correct abbreviations
- Pronounce terms relating to the blood vessels and blood and use correct abbreviations
- Identify the medical specialties associated with the blood vessels and blood
- Explore common diseases, disorders, and procedures related to the blood vessels and blood
Introduction
Our large, complex bodies need blood to deliver nutrients to and remove wastes from our trillions of cells. The heart, as discussed in the previous chapter, pumps blood throughout the body in a network of blood vessels. Together, these three components—blood, heart, and vessels—make up the cardiovascular system.
Virtually every cell, tissue, organ, and system in the body is impacted by the circulatory system. This includes the generalized and more specialized functions of transport of materials, capillary exchange, maintaining health by transporting white blood cells and various immunoglobulins (antibodies), hemostasis, regulation of body temperature, and helping to maintain acid-base balance.
Watch this video:
Media 9.1 Blood Vessels, Part 1—Form and Function: Crash Course A&P #27 [Online video]. Copyright 2015 by CrashCourse.
