Roles of the Cardiovascular System

803 Words2 Pages

Our cardiovascular system is composed of the heart and blood vessels. The main purpose of this system is to transport substances throughout the body. Even though transportation is the main function of the cardiovascular system, it is not the only function. Along with transportation we have protection and regulation.

Transportation has many roles in the cardiovascular system. First, our blood carries oxygen from our lungs to all of our tissues. While taking oxygen to our tissues, it also picks up carbon dioxide from them and takes it to our lungs to be removed from our body. Second, it delivers nutrients from our digestive tract to all of our body’s tissues. Third, it takes waste to our kidney’s to be removed from our body. Fourth, it takes hormones to their target cell from the endocrine cells. Last, it transports stem cells from our bone marrow to tissues where they mature and lodge.

Protection is the second function of the cardiovascular system. First, in order to limit the spread of infection our blood helps with inflammation in the body. Second, our white blood cells get rid of any microorganisms or cancer cells in our system. Third, to neutralize toxins in our body our blood proteins and antibodies help eliminate pathogens. Fourth, to initiate blood clotting we need platelets. This helps minimize blood loss in the long run.

Regulation is the third function of the cardiovascular system. First, by absorbing or giving off fluid our blood capillaries help stabilize the fluid distribution in our body. Second, blood proteins stabilize our extracellular fluid, electrolytes, and pH by buffering bases and acids. Third, movement in our blood flow helps regulate blood pressure and body temperature. To conserve heat we retain ...

... middle of paper ...

...lly keep them from developing or even just keeping them from letting it get bad enough to where it affects their health and lifestyle. This is one reason I maintain a healthy diet and stay away from junk food unless it is a special occasion and I also stay very active with my sports, workout classes, and working out at home on my own time. This article helped me understand more about what factors can cause hypertension and preeclampsia.

REFERENCES

Nugteren, J., Snijder, C. A., Hofman, A., Jaddoe, V. V., Steegers, E. P., & Burdorf, A. (2012). Work-Related Maternal Risk Factors and the Risk of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension and Preeclampsia during Pregnancy. The Generation R Study. Plos ONE, 7(6), 1-8. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0039263

Saladin, Kenneth S. “Anatomy and Physiology.” United States of America: McGraw-Hill Education, 2011. Print.

More about Roles of the Cardiovascular System

Open Document