Blood Vessels

• What is the role of the circulatory system?

  To transport oxygen and nutrients
• What are the three main components of the circulatory system?

  Blood, blood vessels, and heart
• What does blood carry in the circulatory system?

  Oxygen and nutrients
• How does the heart function in the circulatory system?

  It pumps blood to keep it moving
• What is the structure of the heart?

  • Four chambers: two atria and two ventricles
  • Thick muscular walls
  • Valves between chambers and vessels
• How many chambers does the heart have?

  Four chambers
• What are the top chambers of the heart called?

  Atria
• What is the individual top chamber of the heart called?

  Atrium
• What are the bottom chambers of the heart called?

  Ventricles
• What is the function of the valves in the heart?

  To prevent blood from flowing backwards
• Describe the path blood takes through the heart.

  1. Blood enters via vena cava and pulmonary vein
  2. Flows into right atrium and left atrium
  3. Atria contract, pushing blood into ventricles
  4. Ventricles contract, pushing blood into pulmonary artery and aorta
  5. Cycle repeats
• How many times does the heart cycle in a minute?

  About 70 times
• What is the role of pacemaker cells in the heart?

  They produce electrical impulses for contraction
• What is an artificial pacemaker used for?

  To regulate heart contractions
• What is the definition of an artery?

  A vessel carrying blood away from the heart
• What is the definition of a vein?

  A vessel carrying blood to the heart
• Why can the pulmonary artery be considered an artery despite carrying deoxygenated blood?

  It carries blood away from the heart
• Why can the pulmonary vein be considered a vein despite carrying oxygenated blood?

  It carries blood to the heart
• What are coronary arteries and their function?

  • Small arteries branching off the aorta
  • Supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle
  • Ensure heart muscle receives nutrients
• What do coronary arteries supply to the heart?

  Oxygenated blood
• What is the significance of the coronary arteries?

  They ensure the heart muscle gets oxygen
• What is the overall function of the circulatory system?

  • Transport oxygen and nutrients
  • Remove waste products
  • Maintain body temperature