The Circulatory System is made of the Heart, Arteries, Veins, and Capillaries. The Circulatory System brings oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body. The Circulatory System also brings waste to the right organs. The Arteries carry blood from the Heart to the rest of the body, and the Veins carry blood back to the Heart.
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Above: Interactive image showing the circulatory system
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HeartThe heart is a muscle that is the power house of the circulatory system. It pumps nonstop to get blood around the body. The heart has four chambers that are enclosed by thick, muscular walls. The bottom part of the heart is divided into the left and right ventricles. The top part of the heart is divided into the left and right atria. The left side of the heart pumps to the lungs and back and the right side of the heart pumps to the rest of the body.
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ArteriesArteries carry blood away from the heart. They are also the thickest blood vessels. The arteries have muscular walls that contract to keep blood flowing. The biggest artery is the aorta which curves down from the heart and goes until the mid abdomen where it divides up.
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CappillariesCappillaries are tiny blood vessels that connect the smallest division of an artery with the smallest division of a vein. Capillaries are very important to the circulatory system because they have semipermeable walls that gives them the ability to exchange substances like fluids and gases.
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VeinsVeins carry blood back to the heart. They aren't as muscular as the arteries. The two largest veins are the superior and the inferior vena cavae.
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How it Connects
The circulatory system works with the respiratory system by bringing oxygen to the body and getting rid of carbon dioxide. The circulatory system also works with the immune system by transporting the white blood cells. The circulatory system also works with the digestive system by bringing food and nutrients to every cell.