The Cardiovascular System

The Cardiovascular System transports fluid throughout the body.

The Heart• 3 layers of the heart

– Endocardium– Mydocardium– Visceral

• 4 chambers of the heart– 2 Ventricles (discharge blood)– 2 Atria (receives blood from parts of body)

Blood Vessels

• Carry blood towards and away from the heart• 3 types of blood vessels:– Arteries• Take blood away from the heart

– Capillaries• Responsible for exchange of chemicals and water

between tissue and blood

– Veins• Transport blood to the heart

Blood

• Blood carries oxygen and nutritive elements towards the body cells

• What makes up blood:– White Blood Cells– Red Blood Cells– Platelets– Plasma

• Hemoglobin– Protein with Iron– Helps RBC’s transport oxygen

Diseases of the Cardiovascular System

Leukemia

• Cancer of the blood cells• Too many white blood cells• Abnormal, non-functional• Flu-like symptoms, weakness• Acute: develops quickly• Chronic: develops more slowly• Can affect lymphoid or myeloid cells

Sickle Cell Anemia

• Red blood cells become sickle-shaped• Cells clog vessels and body doesn’t get

enough oxygen• Inherited disease

Hypoglycemia

• Low blood sugar• Fatigue, anxiety, headaches, shakiness

Cardiomyopathy

• Disfiguration of the heart• Usually inherited• Causes difficulty breathing, fatigue

Taking care of your Cardiovascular System

• Increase whole grains, fruit, and vegetable intake

• Exercise regularly• Get plenty of sleep• Cut down on fats and sweets• Don’t use tobacco products