Systemic circulation

Definition

Systemic circulation is the part of the circulatory system that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body and returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart. It is essential for delivering nutrients and removing waste products from tissues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Systemic circulation starts in the left ventricle and ends in the right atrium.
2. The aorta is the main artery that distributes oxygen-rich blood throughout systemic circulation.
3. Capillaries are where gas exchange occurs between blood and tissues.
4. The superior and inferior vena cavae return deoxygenated blood to the right atrium.
5. Systemic circulation works in conjunction with pulmonary circulation to maintain overall blood flow and oxygenation.

Review Questions

• What role does the aorta play in systemic circulation?
• Where does systemic circulation begin and end?
• How does systemic circulation work with pulmonary circulation?

Related terms

Pulmonary Circulation: The part of the circulatory system that carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs and brings oxygenated blood back to the heart.

Aorta: The largest artery in the body, responsible for distributing oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to all parts of the body.

Capillaries:

Microscopic blood vessels where exchanges of gases, nutrients, and waste products occur between blood and surrounding tissues.