Blood circulation in humans is a complex process that involves the heart, blood vessels, and blood. The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. It consists of four chambers - two atria and two ventricles.
Deoxygenated blood from the body enters the right atrium of the heart through the superior and inferior vena cava. The blood then flows into the right ventricle, which pumps it to the lungs through the pulmonary artery. In the lungs, the blood picks up oxygen and releases carbon dioxide.
Oxygenated blood returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins and enters the left atrium. It then flows into the left ventricle, which pumps it out to the rest of the body through the aorta. The blood travels through arteries, arterioles, and capillaries to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs.
After delivering oxygen and nutrients, the blood returns to the heart through venules and veins. The cycle repeats as the heart continuously pumps blood throughout the body. This process ensures that all cells receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients for proper functioning.
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Google Gemini AI
Oct 10
Blood Circulation in Humans
Systemic Circulation
- Blood flows from the left ventricle of the heart to the rest of the body. - Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart. - Blood enters the capillaries in the tissues, where oxygen and nutrients are exchanged for carbon dioxide and waste products. - Deoxygenated blood returns to the heart via veins.
Pulmonary Circulation
- Blood flows from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs. - Blood enters the capillaries in the lungs, where carbon dioxide and waste products are exchanged for oxygen. - Oxygenated blood returns to the heart via pulmonary veins.
Double Circulation
- Humans have a double circulatory system, meaning blood passes through the heart twice for one complete circuit: - Lesser circulation: Blood flows from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart. - Greater circulation: Blood flows from the heart to the rest of the body and back to the heart.
Path of Blood Flow
- Blood leaves the heart through the aorta (largest artery). - Arteries branch into arterioles (smaller arteries) and eventually into capillaries. - Blood returns to the heart via venules (smallest veins) and veins. - Deoxygenated blood from the body enters the right atrium, then flows through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle. - The right ventricle pumps blood through the pulmonary valve into the pulmonary artery, which carries it to the lungs. - Oxygenated blood returns to the heart via pulmonary veins into the left atrium. - Blood flows through the mitral valve into the left ventricle. - The left ventricle pumps blood through the aortic valve into the aorta, starting the systemic circulation again.
Control of Blood Flow
- Blood flow is regulated by several factors, including: - Heart rate: The heart pumps faster or slower to adjust blood flow. - Vasodilation and vasoconstriction: Muscles in the walls of blood vessels widen (vasodilation) or narrow (vasoconstriction) to control blood flow. - Blood pressure: The pressure of blood against the walls of blood vessels can affect blood flow. - Hormones: Hormones such as epinephrine (adrenaline) can increase blood flow to muscles and organs.