Systemic circulation

Definition

Systemic circulation is the part of the cardiovascular system that carries oxygenated blood away 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 from the left ventricle of the heart through the aorta.
2. The main artery in systemic circulation is the aorta, which branches into smaller arteries.
3. Capillaries are where gas exchange occurs between blood and tissues during systemic circulation.
4. Deoxygenated blood returns to the heart via veins, culminating in the superior and inferior vena cava.
5. The left atrium receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs before it enters systemic circulation.

Review Questions

• What role does the aorta play in systemic circulation?
• How does systemic circulation differ from pulmonary circulation?
• Where does gas exchange occur in systemic circulation?

Related terms

Pulmonary Circulation: The part of the cardiovascular system that carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs and brings oxygenated blood back to the left atrium.

Aorta:

The largest artery in the body that distributes oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to smaller arteries leading to all parts of the body.

Capillaries: Tiny blood vessels where exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products occurs between blood and tissues.