Various systems of the body (circulatory, lymphatic, muscular)

Circulatory System

The circulatory system is also known as the cardiovascular system and it includes the heart, blood vessels and blood.
The heart is divided into four chambers: the left atrium, right atrium, left ventricle, and right ventricle. The heart pumps blood through these chambers.
The main function of the circulatory system is to transport nutrients, hormones, and oxygen to cells and remove waste products like carbon dioxide.
There are three types of blood vessels: arteries (carry blood away from the heart), veins (carry blood towards the heart), and capillaries (connect arteries and veins).
The circulatory system also has a role in immune function, as the blood contains white blood cells that fight against infections.

Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system complements the circulatory system and consists of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and lymph.
Lymph is a clear or white fluid that contains white blood cells, especially lymphocytes, which fight against infections and diseases.
The lymphatic system is crucial in immune defence, as it filters and cleans the body’s fluids to remove harmful substances, like bacteria and toxins.
Lymph nodes, scattered along the lymphatic vessels, house immune cells that destroy pathogens and protect the body against diseases.
Swollen lymph nodes can often be a sign of infection or illness.

Muscular System

The muscular system is composed of more than 600 muscles that come in three types: skeletal (voluntary), smooth (involuntary), and cardiac.
Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and assist in movement, posture, and balance.
Smooth muscles control involuntary actions like the contraction of blood vessels and food movement through the digestive tract.
Cardiac muscle is a specialised muscle type found only in the heart and enables heartbeats.
Muscles work by contracting and relaxing, and they also generate heat to maintain the body’s temperature.
Understanding muscular system structure and function is crucial for treatments involving massage, understanding muscular tension, and recognising muscular disorders.

Remember, having a well-rounded understanding of the body’s systems is key for comprehensive consultation, treatment planning and aftercare advice in beauty therapy.