Anatomy 202: Cardiovascular System

Cardiovascular System

The organ system consisting of the heart, blood vessels, and blood that transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.

Heart

A muscular organ about the size of a fist that pumps blood through the circulatory system via rhythmic contractions, beating approximately 100,000 times per day.

Atrium

One of the two upper chambers of the heart that receives blood returning from the body (right atrium) or lungs (left atrium).

Ventricle

One of the two lower chambers of the heart that pumps blood to the lungs (right ventricle) or to the rest of the body (left ventricle).

Aorta

The largest artery in the body, originating from the left ventricle and distributing oxygenated blood to the systemic circulation.

Vena Cava

The two large veins (superior and inferior) that return deoxygenated blood from the body to the right atrium of the heart.

Pulmonary Artery

The artery that carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs for gas exchange.

Pulmonary Vein

The veins that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the left atrium of the heart.

Artery

A blood vessel with thick, elastic walls that carries blood away from the heart under high pressure.

Vein

A blood vessel with thinner walls and valves that carries blood toward the heart, often under lower pressure.