Introduction to cardiovascular system
The cardiovascular system is the primary circulatory system of the human body. It comprises: a heart blood blood vessels General Functions of the Cardiovascular System One function of the cardiovascular system is transport. Some substances carried by the cardiovascular system are dissolved or suspended in the fluid portion of the blood. Others are bound up in special cellular elements called red blood cells. The cardiovascular system also provides protection against foreign substances. This function involves active attack by white blood cells as well as more subtle processes of the immune system. Direction of Flow of Arteries and Veins Blood vessels are the conduits of the cardiovascular system. They make up a closed system, since there is no place in the system where whole blood can leave. Arteries generally carry blood from the chambers of the heart to the tis...