The human circulatory system transports oxygen and nutrients to cells through a network of blood vessels and the heart. Here's how it works:
1. Heart: The heart pumps blood throughout the body. It has four chambers: two atria and two ventricles. Oxygenated blood from the lungs enters the left atrium, is pumped to the left ventricle, and then is sent out through the aorta to the rest of the body. Deoxygenated blood returns from the body to the right atrium, is pumped to the right ventricle, and then sent to the lungs for oxygenation.
2. Blood vessels: Blood travels through arteries, veins, and capillaries:
Arteries: These carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to tissues and organs. The aorta is the largest artery, and as it branches, smaller arteries carry the blood to various body parts.
Capillaries: These are tiny blood vessels where oxygen, nutrients (like glucose), and waste products are exchanged between the blood and surrounding tissues. Oxygen and nutrients pass through the thin walls of capillaries into the cells, while waste products like carbon dioxide move from cells into the blood to be removed.
Veins: After oxygen and nutrients are delivered, veins carry deoxygenated blood (along with waste products) back to the heart.
3. Hemoglobin: In red blood cells, hemoglobin binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it through the bloodstream. It releases the oxygen when it reaches tissues that need it. Hemoglobin also helps transport carbon dioxide, a waste product, back to the lungs for exhalation.
Through this continuous cycle, the circulatory system ensures that oxygen and nutrients reach all the cells in the body while also removing waste products.