The cardiovascular system consists of the heart and blood vessels. It is responsible for sending blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen and to the digestive system to pick up nutrients in order to deliver oxygen and nutrients to all the organ systems in the body. This system also circulates waste products to certain organ systems so that these wastes can be removed from the blood.
Outline
The Heart
Blood Vessels
Blood Pressure
Circulation
Blood
Learning Outcomes
After completing Chapter 27, you will be able to:
27.1 Describe the structure of the heart and the function of each part.
27.2 Trace the flow of blood through the heart.
27.3 List the most common heart sounds and what events produce them.
27.4 Explain how heart rate is controlled by the electrical conduction system of the heart.
27.5 List the different types of blood vessels and describe the functions of each.
27.6 Define blood pressure and tell how it is controlled.
27.7 Trace the flow of blood through the pulmonary and systemic circulation.
27.8 List the major arteries and veins of the body and describe their locations.
27.9 List and describe the components of blood.
27.10 Give the functions of red blood cells, the different types of white blood cells, and platelets.
27.11 List the substances normally found in plasma.
27.12 Explain how bleeding is controlled.
27.13 Explain the differences among blood types A, B, AB, and O.
27.14 Explain the difference between Rh-positive blood and Rh-negative blood.
27.15 Explain the importance of blood typing and tell which blood types are compatible.
27.16 Describe the causes, signs and symptoms, and treatments of various diseases and disorders of the cardiovascular system.
Summary
The cardiovascular system acts as the transport system for the body. It brings oxygen to tissues and carries away car-bon dioxide. Nutrients are picked up from the digestive system and delivered throughout the body, whereas waste products are carried away so that certain organs may re-move them. The cardiovascular system consists of the heart and blood vessels and includes arteries, veins, and capillaries. Blood is the transport medium that is pumped through-out the body. It is a liquid tissue that consists of plasma and formed elements (RBCs, WBCs, and platelets). It is important for the medical assistant to have an understanding of this system in order to effectively perform electro-cardiograms, phlebotomy, and blood tests. Additionally, the more you understand the diseases and disorders related to these body systems, the better you can assist patients in understanding the prevention and treatment for many of these conditions.
