Introduction

What connection does a rattlesnake and the cardiovascular system have?
If you ever encounter one of these diamondback rattlesnakes of Alabama and get bitten by its envenomating fangs, you will unfortunately discover  this connection.

Rattlesnake in the woods.

Rattlesnake in the woods.

Rattlesnake venom is hemotoxic, meaning it causes destruction of red blood cells that carry oxygen to tissues in your body. This venom will also inhibit platelet function, which disrupts the blood's ability to clot. This results in local or even system-wide hemorrhaging, or uncontrolled bleeding. The result is a loss of a limb or even death.

Therefore, always be aware of your surroundings when walking in the woods.

Watch this video about rattlesnakes (01:43) and what measures to take if bitten by a rattlesnake.

After the video, let's learn more about the blood.

 

Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to...

  • Describe the components of blood to include their functions.

Enduring Understandings

  • The cardiovascular system is composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
  • The heart is the organ that pumps blood through blood vessels.
  • The cardiovascular system transports gases, nutrients, hormones, and wastes throughout the body.

The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Anatomy and Physiology standards: 7

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