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Circulatory System: Facts, Function & Diseases

by Kim Ann Zimmermann   |   August 17, 2012 04:11pm ET

The circulatory system is a vast network of organs and vessels that is responsible for the flow of blood, nutrients, oxygen and other gases, and hormones to and from cells. Without the circulatory system, the body would not be able to fight disease or maintain a stable internal environment — such as proper temperature and pH — known as homeostasis.

Description of the circulatory system

While many view the circulatory system as simply a highway for blood — it is also known as the cardiovascular system — it is made up of three independent systems that work together: the heart (cardiovascular), lungs (pulmonary) and arteries, veins, coronary and portal vessels (systemic).

In the average human, about 2,000 gallons (7,572 liters) of blood travel daily through about 60,000 miles (96,560 kilometers) of blood vessels. An average adult has 5 to 6 quarts (4.7 to 5.6 liters) of blood, which is made up of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. In addition to blood, the circulatory system moves lymph, which is a clear fluid that helps rid the body of unwanted material.

The heart, blood, and blood vessels make up the cardiovascular component of the circulatory system. It includes the pulmonary circulation, a "loop" through the lungs where blood is oxygenated. It also incorporates the systemic circulation, which runs through the rest of the body

to provide oxygenated blood.

Reference:

Circulatory System: Facts, Function & Diseases

by Kim Ann Zimmermann   |   August 17, 2012 04:11pm ET

The circulatory system is a vast network of organs and vessels that is responsible for the flow of blood, nutrients, oxygen and other gases, and hormones to and from cells. Without the circulatory system, the body would not be able to fight disease or maintain a stable internal environment — such as proper temperature and pH — known as homeostasis.

Description of the...