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Understanding the Cardiovascular System

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user profile picture

izzy

20/11/2025

PE

cardiovascular system

648

20 Nov 2025

1 page

Understanding the Cardiovascular System

user profile picture

izzy

@izzy_mac

Your cardiovascular system is basically your body's delivery service, constantly... Show more

HEART ANATOMY/CARDIOVASCULAR
THE HEART
Amonary
artery
Pulmonry
veins.
Superior vena carva
B
...
inferior
vena cava
Arteries:
BLOOD VESSELS
T

Heart Anatomy and Cardiovascular System

Ever wondered why your heart pounds during a sprint? Your cardiovascular system has three main parts - the heart, blood, and blood vessels - all working together to keep your muscles supplied with what they need during physical activity.

Your heart works like a double pump with two separate circuits. The pulmonary circuit handles the "dirty" blood - deoxygenated blood flows from your right ventricle through the pulmonary artery to your lungs, gets cleaned up with fresh oxygen, then returns to your left atrium via pulmonary veins.

The systemic circuit delivers the goods to your body. Oxygenated blood shoots out from your left ventricle through the massive aorta, travels to all your muscles and organs, then returns as deoxygenated blood through the vena cava to your right atrium. It's like a perfectly timed relay race that never stops!

Quick Tip: Remember the circuits by thinking "Right = Respiratory" (pulmonary circuit starts from right side) and "Left = Life" (systemic circuit starts from left side to supply your whole body).

Blood Vessels - Your Body's Highway System

Think of blood vessels as a three-tier transport system, each designed for different jobs. Arteries are like motorways - they've got thick, muscular walls and narrow lumens because they handle high-pressure blood rushing away from your heart. Most carry oxygenated blood, except for those sneaky pulmonary arteries heading to your lungs.

Veins are more like country roads - they have thinner walls, wider lumens, and special valves to prevent blood from flowing backwards as it travels back to your heart under much lower pressure. Capillaries are the tiny back streets where all the real action happens - their walls are just one cell thick, allowing oxygen and nutrients to slip through to your tissues.

Each type of vessel is perfectly designed for its job. The thick, elastic artery walls can stretch and bounce back with each heartbeat, whilst the wide vein lumens make it easier for blood to flow back to your heart against gravity.

Blood Components - The Delivery Crew

Your blood is like a busy transport network with different workers doing specific jobs. Red blood cells are the oxygen delivery drivers - they pick up oxygen from your lungs and drop it off at your muscles, then collect carbon dioxide waste for the return journey.

White blood cells act as your personal security team, fighting off infections and diseases that try to invade your body. Platelets are like emergency repair workers - when you get a cut, they rush to the scene and help your blood clot to stop the bleeding.

All these cells float around in plasma, which is basically the liquid motorway that carries everything through your bloodstream. Plasma also transports nutrients, hormones, and waste products around your body, making it essential for keeping everything running smoothly.



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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

PE

648

20 Nov 2025

1 page

Understanding the Cardiovascular System

user profile picture

izzy

@izzy_mac

Your cardiovascular system is basically your body's delivery service, constantly moving oxygen, nutrients, and waste products around through an amazing network of tubes and pumps. Understanding how your heart, blood vessels, and blood work together will help you grasp why... Show more

HEART ANATOMY/CARDIOVASCULAR
THE HEART
Amonary
artery
Pulmonry
veins.
Superior vena carva
B
...
inferior
vena cava
Arteries:
BLOOD VESSELS
T

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Heart Anatomy and Cardiovascular System

Ever wondered why your heart pounds during a sprint? Your cardiovascular system has three main parts - the heart, blood, and blood vessels - all working together to keep your muscles supplied with what they need during physical activity.

Your heart works like a double pump with two separate circuits. The pulmonary circuit handles the "dirty" blood - deoxygenated blood flows from your right ventricle through the pulmonary artery to your lungs, gets cleaned up with fresh oxygen, then returns to your left atrium via pulmonary veins.

The systemic circuit delivers the goods to your body. Oxygenated blood shoots out from your left ventricle through the massive aorta, travels to all your muscles and organs, then returns as deoxygenated blood through the vena cava to your right atrium. It's like a perfectly timed relay race that never stops!

Quick Tip: Remember the circuits by thinking "Right = Respiratory" (pulmonary circuit starts from right side) and "Left = Life" (systemic circuit starts from left side to supply your whole body).

Blood Vessels - Your Body's Highway System

Think of blood vessels as a three-tier transport system, each designed for different jobs. Arteries are like motorways - they've got thick, muscular walls and narrow lumens because they handle high-pressure blood rushing away from your heart. Most carry oxygenated blood, except for those sneaky pulmonary arteries heading to your lungs.

Veins are more like country roads - they have thinner walls, wider lumens, and special valves to prevent blood from flowing backwards as it travels back to your heart under much lower pressure. Capillaries are the tiny back streets where all the real action happens - their walls are just one cell thick, allowing oxygen and nutrients to slip through to your tissues.

Each type of vessel is perfectly designed for its job. The thick, elastic artery walls can stretch and bounce back with each heartbeat, whilst the wide vein lumens make it easier for blood to flow back to your heart against gravity.

Blood Components - The Delivery Crew

Your blood is like a busy transport network with different workers doing specific jobs. Red blood cells are the oxygen delivery drivers - they pick up oxygen from your lungs and drop it off at your muscles, then collect carbon dioxide waste for the return journey.

White blood cells act as your personal security team, fighting off infections and diseases that try to invade your body. Platelets are like emergency repair workers - when you get a cut, they rush to the scene and help your blood clot to stop the bleeding.

All these cells float around in plasma, which is basically the liquid motorway that carries everything through your bloodstream. Plasma also transports nutrients, hormones, and waste products around your body, making it essential for keeping everything running smoothly.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user