Structure of the Cardio-Respiratory System

I. Cardiovascular System:

The cardiovascular system is made up of the heart, blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries) and blood.
The heart is a four-chambered organ that pumps blood around the body. It consists of two atria (upper chambers) and two ventricles (lower chambers).
Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart (except for the pulmonary artery which carries de-oxygenated blood to the lungs).
Veins carry de-oxygenated blood towards the heart (except for the pulmonary veins which carry oxygenated blood to the heart).
Capillaries are very fine blood vessels that connect arteries and veins. They enable the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste materials between blood and body tissues.

II. Respiratory System:

The respiratory system consists of the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, and diaphragm.
Its main job is to take in oxygen from the air and remove carbon dioxide from the body.
Oxygen travels from the nose/mouth, down the trachea, and into the lungs via the bronchi. Within the lungs, oxygen is transported to the bloodstream through tiny air sacs called alveoli.
The diaphragm contracts during inspiration to increase the volume of the lungs and facilitate the intake of air.
During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes, reducing the volume in the lungs and pushing air out.
Gaseous exchange (swapping oxygen for carbon dioxide) occurs at the alveoli.

III. Interactions between Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems:

The cardiovascular and respiratory systems work together to deliver oxygen to the tissues and remove waste products.
Oxygen-rich blood from the lungs is transported by the cardiovascular system to the rest of the body.
Carbon dioxide, a waste product, is carried back to the lungs by the cardiovascular system, where it is expelled from the body via the respiratory system.