Author: Ms. Shikha Singh
Volume: 01
First Online: 31 August 2024
Pages: 258-271
DOI:

The cardiovascular system, essential for sustaining life, comprises the heart, blood vessels, and blood, working together to transport oxygen, nutrients, and waste products throughout the body. The heart, a muscular organ with four chambers—two atria and two ventricles—acts as a pump, propelling blood through a vast network of arteries, veins, and capillaries. Arteries carry oxygenrich blood from the heart to the tissues, while veins return oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart. The system also includes the pulmonary circuit, which transports blood between the heart and lungs for oxygenation, and the systemic circuit, which delivers oxygenated blood to the body. This intricate system is regulated by electrical impulses that control heartbeats, ensuring consistent blood flow. It plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis, regulating body temperature, and supporting the immune system by transporting white blood cells. Disorders such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart disease can severely impact the cardiovascular system, highlighting the importance of cardiovascular health in overall well-being.