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The circulatory system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood, and in vertebrates it is a closed system where blood stays within vessels.
The circulatory system is an organ system in vertebrates that circulates blood throughout the body. It consists of three main parts: the heart, blood vessels, and blood. Together, these form the cardiovascular (or vascular) system, which transports materials needed for life and helps maintain internal balance (homeostasis). In vertebrates, the system is “closed,” meaning blood remains within blood vessels rather than leaving the vascular network. The circulatory system is divided into two major circuits: pulmonary circulation and systemic circulation. Pulmonary circulation moves deoxygenated blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation, then returns oxygen-rich blood to the left side of the heart. Systemic circulation delivers oxygenated blood from the left heart to the rest of the body and returns deoxygenated blood to the right heart via large veins (the venae cavae). Blood vessels include arteries, capillaries, and veins, with special vessel routes such as portal veins (e.g., hepatic portal vein) and additional regional circulations like coronary (heart), cerebral (brain), and renal (kidneys). In vertebrates, the lymphatic system complements the circulatory system by returning excess fluid from tissues back to the blood and supporting immune defense.
The circulatory system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood, and in vertebrates it is a closed system where blood stays within vessels.
It has two main circuits: pulmonary circulation (heart to lungs and back) and systemic circulation (heart to body and back).
Blood vessels are organized into arteries, capillaries, and veins, with specialized routes such as portal veins and regional circulations (coronary, cerebral, renal).
The lymphatic system complements circulation by returning excess interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and working with the immune system.
An organ system that circulates blood through the body using the heart and blood vessels.
A circulatory arrangement in which blood remains inside blood vessels rather than directly bathing tissues.
The circuit that sends deoxygenated blood from the right heart to the lungs for oxygenation and returns it to the left heart.
The circuit that delivers oxygenated blood from the left heart to the body and returns deoxygenated blood to the right heart via large veins.
The transport pathways of the circulatory system, including arteries, capillaries, and veins.
Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart, typically with oxygenated blood in systemic circulation.
Microscopic vessels where exchange of gases, nutrients, and wastes occurs between blood and tissues.
Blood vessels that return blood to the heart, typically carrying deoxygenated blood in systemic circulation.
Veins that route blood through a second capillary bed rather than directly returning to the heart, exemplified by the hepatic portal vein.
A complementary open system that returns excess filtered fluid to the bloodstream as lymph and supports immune defense.
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