Functions Of The Circulatory System

By Author: Pierce Brosnan
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Introduction to functions of the circulatory system:

Each cell of the human body derives it's energy from the chemical breakdown of fats and sugars, a process that depends on oxygen. Brain cells begin to die within three minutes if their oxygen supply is cut off. Organs like the kidneys and muscles can survive a little longer, but no part can stay alive without a regular source of oxygen. To meet this purpose, the body has evolved an intricate system of tubes that carry this vital element to even the remotest living structures.

If we go by definition, the circulatory system is an organ system that circulates nutrients, hormones, gases and blood cells throughout the body to help it fight diseases, transport hormones throughout the body, stabilize body temperature and the pH to maintain homeostasis.

Functions of Parts of the Human Circulatory System

This system consists of the following-

1) Blood- The blood mainly consists of plasma and three kinds of solid particles called formed elements. The plasma mainly consists of water but it also contains some proteins, minerals and other substances. ...
... The three formed elements are the red blood cells, the white blood cells and platelets.

2) Blood vessels- These form a complex network throughout the body to help transport the blood. They are of three types. The arteries, the veins and the capillaries.

3) Heart- This is a muscular organ situated in our chest. It is responsible for pumping the blood through the blood vessels.

Vital Functions of the Circulatory System

The circulatory system performs a lot of vital functions. They are as follows-

1) Respiration- The red blood cells contain a compound called haemoglobin that can carry oxygen and transport it to the body parts via circulation and carries carbon dioxide back to the lungs. During this process the blood follows two different routes through the heart called systemic circulation and pulmonary circulation to separate the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

2) Nutrition- The circulatory system carries digested food substances to the cells for providing energy to the body and also for storage. These nutrients enter the blood stream through the thin walls of the intestines into the cappilaries and are carried to the liver. The liver removes some nutrients and stores the rest for use later. The blood that leaves the liver contains nutrients that the cells use for energy production.

3) Carrier of hormones- The blood also transports hormones that are produced by various glands throughout the body. These hormones then cause various changes in the body involving growth and reproduction.

4) Removal of wastes-The circulatory system also helps the body to dispose off wastes that would otherwise get accumulated. The wastes include carbon dioxide, ammonia, salts, etc. The liver converts ammonia and various other useless substances that enter through the digestive system and converts them into water soluble substances that are then carried by the blood to the kidneys for removal.

5) Protection from diseases- The white blood cells engulf and destroy bacteria, viruses and other harmful substances that enter the body. The platelets in the blood help in clotting of the blood in injuries so that an excess of blood is not lost.

6) Maintaining body temperature- Blood circulation maintains the body temperature and keeps it stable by absorbing the heat coming from the cell's energy production.

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