Overview of the Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system, also known as the circulatory system, is responsible for the transport of substances within the body.
It is formed by the heart, blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries) and blood.
The heart acts as a pump, propelling blood to all parts of the body through the blood vessels.
This enables delivery of nutrients, oxygen (O2), hormones, and other essential substances to the tissues of the body, and removal of waste products like carbon dioxide (CO2) and metabolic by-products.

Structure of the Heart

The heart is a muscular organ divided into four chambers: two atria at the top, and two ventricles at the bottom.
Arteries carry blood away from the heart, while veins carry blood back towards the heart.
The largest artery, the aorta, carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body. The largest vein, the vena cava, carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
The heart is powered by electrical impulses that maintain a regular heartbeat (or cardiac cycle).

The Blood

Blood comprises of cells suspended in a liquid called plasma.
The cells are primarily red and white blood cells; the red blood cells carry oxygen, while the white blood cells play an essential role in the body’s immune response.
Platelets, another component of the blood, are responsible for blood clotting.
Plasma transports nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

Understanding the Cardiac Cycle

The cardiac cycle describes the sequence of events that occur when the heart beats.
It consists of two phases: diastole, when the heart’s chambers are relaxed and filling with blood, and systole, when the chambers contract and pump blood out.
Heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output are integral aspects of the cardiac cycle and are crucial for efficient training and performance.

Role of the Cardiovascular System in Sports Performance

The cardiovascular system is fundamental to all athletic activity, as it supplies the working muscles with necessary nutrients and oxygen.
Training can improve cardiovascular performance through increases in stroke volume and cardiac output, resulting in better endurance and overall athletic performance.
Knowledge of the cardiovascular system allows for the designing of effective training programmes and identifying weaknesses or areas for improvement.

Cardiovascular Disorders and their Impact on Physical Performance

Conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and coronary heart disease can severely impact an athlete’s performance.
Understanding these conditions and their effects on the cardiovascular system aids in designing suitable preventative and management strategies.
Immediate interruption of physical activity may be necessary in the case of severe conditions such as myocardial infarction or stroke.

Remember, linking the knowledge of the cardiovascular system to improving sporting performance may provide effective context in your answers. It could be beneficial to outline how cardiovascular adaptations to training could enhance athletic performance, or how specific disorders can inhibit physical capacity.