ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

The circulatory system, or the cardiovascular system is comprised of the heart, lungs and the blood vessels. The arteries are the blood vessels that carry the blood away from the heart, and the veins return the blood to the heart. The circulatory system is composed of three distinct types of classification. The pulmonary circulatory system transports the blood between the heart and the lungs. Coronary circulation controls the movement of blood within the heart chambers, to the heart tissues. Systemic circulation is the movement of blood between the heart and the body. The function of the systemic circulatory system is to transport nutrients, oxygen and water to all parts of the body. In reverse it transports away the carbon dioxide that the body produces. The blood cells are comprised of red blood cells, platelets, lymphocytes, and phagocyte cells; the white cells are collectively comprised of the lymphocytes, and phagocyte cells. The heart acts as the muscular pump, which whilst beating at approximately seventy two times, per minute starts the blood on its journey through the body. The muscles need oxygen to function as well as glucose and amino acids. Muscles whilst working expand and contract, and the blood takes the correct proportions of sodium potassium and calcium salts for this process.The heart acts as the muscular pump, which starts the blood on its journey through the body. The pulmonary element of circulation is important, as the lungs have to reoxygenate the blood. This reoxygenated blood is drawn into the left side of the heart, and then on into the blood system. The atria is the part of the heart that takes the blood from the body and lungs, and it is then pumped to the lungs and body by the ventricles. Blood that has

released its nutrients is drawn to the right side of the heart and then pumped to the lungs to be reoxygenated.

Central Nervous System Medulla Oblongata; relays motor and sensory impulses between other parts of the brain and the spinal cord. Reticular formation (also in pons, midbrain, and diencephalon) functions in consciousness and arousal. Vital centers regulate heartbeat, breathing (together with pons) and blood vessel diameter. Hypothalamus; controls and integrates activities of the autonomic nervous system and pituitary gland. Regulates emotional and behavioral patterns and circadian rhythms. Controls body temperature and regulates eating and drinking behavior. Helps maintain the waking state and establishes patterns of sleep. Produces the hormones oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone. Cardiovascular System Baroreceptor, pressure-sensitive sensory receptors, are located in the aorta, internal carotid arteries, and other large arteries in the neck and chest. They send impulses to the cardiovascular center in the medulla oblongata to help regulate blood pressure. The two most important baroreceptor reflexes are the carotid sinus reflex and the aortic reflex. Chemoreceptors, sensory receptors that monitor the chemical composition of blood, are located close to the baroreceptors of the carotid sinus and the arch of the aorta in small structures called carotid bodies and aortic bodies, respectively. These chemoreceptors detect changes in blood level of O2, CO2, and H+. Renal System

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system. When blood volume falls or blood flow to the kidneys decreases, juxtaglomerular cells in the kidneys secrete renin into the bloodstream. In sequence, renin and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) act on their substrates to produce the active hormone angiotensin II, which raises blood pressure in two ways. First, angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor; it raises blood pressure by increasing systemic vascular resistance. Second, it stimulates secretion of aldosterone, which increases reabsorption of sodium ions and water by the kidneys. The water reabsorption increases total blood volume, which increases blood pressure. Antidiuretic hormone. ADH is produced by the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary in response to dehydration or decreased blood volume. Among other actions, ADH causes vasoconstriction, which increases blood pressure. Atrial Natriuretic Peptide. Released by cells in the atria of the heart, ANP lowers blood pressure by causing vasodilation and by promoting the loss of salt and water in the urine, which reduces blood volume.