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10
Learning Objectives
Examine the anatomy of the blood vessels and the composition of blood
Determine the main functions of the blood vessels and of the components of blood
Differentiate medical terms of the blood vessels and blood and common abbreviations
Recognize the medical specialties associated with the blood vessels and blood
Discover common diseases, disorders, and procedures related to the blood vessels and blood
Blood Vessels and Blood Word Parts
Click on prefixes, combining forms, and suffixes to reveal a list of word parts to memorize for blood vessels and blood.
Introduction to the Blood Vessels and Blood
Our large, complex bodies need blood to deliver nutrients to and remove wastes from our trillions of cells. The heart, as discussed in the previous chapter, pumps blood throughout the body in a network of blood vessels. Together, these three components—blood, heart, and vessels—make up the cardiovascular system.
Virtually every cell, tissue, organ, and system in the body is impacted by the circulatory system. This includes the generalized and more specialized functions of transport of materials, capillary exchange, maintaining health by transporting white blood cells and various immunoglobulins (antibodies), hemostasis, regulation of body temperature, and helping to maintain acid-base balance. Table 10.1 summarizes the important relationships between the circulatory system and the other body systems.
Table 10.1 Interaction of the Circulatory System with Other Body Systems. A table depicting the various body systems and the role of the circulatory system in each. Adapted from Betts et al., 2013. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
SYSTEM
ROLE OF CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Digestive
Absorbs nutrients and water; delivers nutrients (except most lipids) to the liver for processing by hepatic portal vein; provides nutrients essential for hematopoiesis and building hemoglobin.
Endocrine
Delivers hormones; atrial natriuretic hormone (peptide) secreted by the heart atrial cells to help regulate blood volumes and pressures; epinephrine, ANH, angiotensin II, ADH, and thyroxine to help regulate blood pressure; estrogen to promote vascular health in women and men.
Integumentary
Carries clotting factors, platelets, and white blood cells for hemostasis, fighting infection, and repairing damage; regulates temperature by controlling blood flow to the surface, where heat can be dissipated; provides some coloration of integument; acts as a blood reservoir.
Lymphatic
Transports various white blood cells, including those produced by lymphatic tissue, and immunoglobulins (antibodies) throughout the body to maintain health; carries excess tissue fluid not able to be reabsorbed by the vascular capillaries back to the lymphatic system for processing.
Muscular
Provides nutrients and oxygen for contraction; removes lactic acid and distributes heat generated by contract