Role of the circulatory system
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Components of the circulatory system
The circulatory system also known as the cardiovascular system: Cardio meaning heart & Vascular meaning vessels, consists of three components; the heart, blood and blood vessels
There are 3 Major Components of the circulatory system:
There are 3 Major Components of the circulatory system:
HeartHEART: The heart is about the size of a fist and pumps blood between 60 – 80 times per minute at rest.
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Blood Vessels |
Blood(Click Image to Zoom)
BLOOD - Red blood cells: carry oxygen (Hemoglobin) White blood cells: make up part of the immune system Platelets: needed for clotting Plasma: blood cells, nutrients and waste float in this liquid |
Heart Anatomy
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Basic contribution to efficient movement
- The circulatory system is extremely important to our aerobic energy system because our heart and lungs need to work efficiently in order to deliver nutrients and oxygen to working muscles the the brain. This then allows the body to participate successfully in physical activity.
- During exercise the heart will work much harder than at rest. As a person becomes fitter the body is able to increase it’s cardiac output (how much blood is pumped each minute SV x HR). In conjunction with the muscular system and through training the body builds a tolerance for some build up of wastes such as lactic acid.
- The heart muscles also increase in size with exercise. This is called hypertrophy. An increase in the size of the heart results in a stronger heart. A stronger heart results in a decreased resting heart rate as more blood is able to be pumped out of the heart with every contraction.
- All these gains are lost with lack of regular exercise.