Introduction

All tissues, cells, and organs depend on the circulation of blood to transport nutrients and remove wastes. This circulation of blood through the body is divided into 2 circulatory systems:

  • Systemic circulation: Part of blood circulation which carries oxygenated blood away from the heart, to the body, and returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart
  • Pulmonary circulation: Part of blood circulation that carries deoxygenated blood away from the heart, to the lungs, and returns oxygenated (oxygen-rich) blood back to the heart

The main difference between the two circulatory systems is the destination of the blood that is being circulated.

  • Pulmonary circulation carries blood to and from the lungs.
  • Systemic circulation runs to and from the cells in your body.

Veins and Capillaries

Notice the image illustrating the arteries, veins, and capillaries of both systems. In this lesson, we will discuss more on pulmonary and systemic circulation.

 

Lesson Objectives

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

  • Describe how blood circulates through the heart.
  • Describe how blood circulates through the body (systemic circulation).

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: 7a and 7b

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