Pulmonary and Systemic Circulations
Updated: February 24, 2025
Summary
The cardiovascular system consists of systemic and pulmonary circulation. Systemic circulation carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to tissues via the aortic arch and descending aorta. In systemic capillaries, oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide before oxygen-poor blood returns to the heart through the inferior vena cava. Pulmonary circulation involves pumping oxygen-poor blood from the heart to the lungs through the pulmonary trunk.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cardiovascular System Overview
The cardiovascular system is divided into systemic and pulmonary parts. The systemic circulation carries blood from the heart to tissues. Oxygen-rich blood is pumped from the left ventricle into the aortic arch which gives rise to branches supplying the limbs. The descending aorta supplies the abdominal and pelvic cavities along with the organs in these cavities and the limbs. In the systemic capillaries, oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide. The inferior vena cava returns oxygen-poor blood to the heart. Oxygen-poor blood is pumped from the heart to the lungs through the pulmonary trunk which divides into arteries for the right and left lungs.
FAQ
Q: What is the function of the systemic circulation in the cardiovascular system?
A: The systemic circulation carries blood from the heart to tissues.
Q: Where does oxygen-rich blood get pumped from the left ventricle in the cardiovascular system?
A: Oxygen-rich blood is pumped from the left ventricle into the aortic arch.
Q: What does the descending aorta supply in the systemic circulation?
A: The descending aorta supplies the abdominal and pelvic cavities, along with the organs in these cavities and the limbs.
Q: What occurs in the systemic capillaries in terms of gas exchange?
A: In the systemic capillaries, oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide.
Q: Where does the inferior vena cava return blood to in the cardiovascular system?
A: The inferior vena cava returns oxygen-poor blood to the heart.
Q: How is oxygen-poor blood transported from the heart to the lungs?
A: Oxygen-poor blood is pumped from the heart to the lungs through the pulmonary trunk.
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