The Flow of Blood

The circulatory system is responsible for transporting nutrients, gases and wastes throughout the body, comprised of the heart, blood and blood vessels.
Blood starts its journey from the heart, which acts as a pump for circulating blood.
The heart is divided into four chambers: the left atrium, the left ventricle, the right atrium and the right ventricle.
Deoxygenated blood, returning from the body, enters through the right atrium, as blood from the veins is pumped into this part of the heart.
This blood is then transferred into the right ventricle, which pumps the deoxygenated blood into the lungs via the pulmonary artery.
In the lungs, blood picks up oxygen (through a process called gas exchange) and at the same time gets rid of carbon dioxide, a waste product of cells’ metabolism.
This oxygenated blood then returns to the heart, specifically the left atrium, via the pulmonary veins.
From the left atrium, the oxygen-rich blood is moved into the left ventricle.
The left ventricle then pumps this oxygenated blood out to the rest of the body through a large artery called the aorta.
As the blood travels through the body, it distributes oxygen and collects carbon dioxide, ultimately returning again to the right atrium, and so, the cycle continues.
In addition to oxygen and carbon dioxide, the circulatory system also transports nutrients, hormones, and waste products between various organs of the body.
The different types of blood vessels - arteries, veins, and capillaries - have varying roles in the circulation of blood. They not only transport blood around the body but also help maintain blood pressure and regulate body temperature.
Overall, the flow of blood represents a well-coordinated process that keeps the body functioning by ensuring that oxygen-reliant tissues are properly supplied, and wastes are effectively removed.
Understanding these essential steps and components involved in the flow of blood is crucial in comprehending the broader functions of the human circulatory system.