Circulatory System

List and explain the functions of the organ system.

- Identify the major organs and their functions.
- Transportation: The circulatory system transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and
waste products throughout the body.
- Distribution of Heat: Blood helps regulate body temperature by distributing heat
produced during metabolism.
- Immune Response: White blood cells in the circulatory system play a role in the body's
immune response, defending against pathogens and infections.
- Clotting: Platelets in the blood help in the clotting process, preventing excessive
bleeding from injuries.

- Describe the basic structure of the major organs in the assigned body system (i.e. lungs:
bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli).
- Heart: The heart pumps blood, providing the force needed to circulate it through the
blood vessels.
- Blood Vessels: Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, veins carry
deoxygenated blood back to the heart, and capillaries facilitate the exchange of
substances between the blood and tissues.
- Blood: Composed of red and white blood cells and platelets, blood carries oxygen,
nutrients, and hormones while removing waste products.
- Basic Structure of Major Organs:
- Heart: The heart has four chambers—two atria and two ventricles. It is composed
of cardiac muscle tissue and is divided into the left and right sides.
- Blood Vessels: Arteries have thick, muscular walls to withstand the pressure of
blood being pumped by the heart. Veins have thinner walls and contain valves to
prevent the backward flow of blood. Capillaries are tiny vessels where nutrient
and gas exchange occurs.

- Each member must describe a disease associated with their body system.
- Name of disease/disorder:
- Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Description: Cardiovascular diseases include a range of
conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. Common types include coronary artery
disease, heart failure, and hypertension.

- Description of disease/mode of action/ treatment/ symptoms/ etc.

- Mode of Action: Cardiovascular diseases often result from atherosclerosis, a condition
where arteries become narrowed and hardened due to the buildup of plaque. This
restricts blood flow and can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Symptoms: Symptoms vary but may include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and
irregular heartbeat.
- Treatment: Treatment approaches include lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), medications,
and, in some cases, surgical interventions such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.
 - Prevention: Prevention strategies involve maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing risk
factors (e.g., hypertension, high cholesterol), and regular medical check-ups.
Understanding the circulatory system, its organs, and associated diseases is crucial for
promoting heart health and overall well-being.

Circulatory System:

1. Overview:
a. The circulatory system, a complex network, facilitates the transportation of vital
substances throughout the body.
b. It comprises the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels) and the
lymphatic system.
2. Main Organs:
a. Heart:
i. Four-chambered organ (two atria, two ventricles).
ii. Pumps oxygenated blood to the body via systemic circulation and
deoxygenated blood to the lungs through pulmonary circulation.
b. Blood Vessels:
i. Arteries:
1. Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.
2. Major arteries include the aorta.
ii. Veins:
1. Transport deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
2. Major veins include the superior and inferior vena cava.
iii. Capillaries:
1. Microscopic vessels where nutrient and gas exchange occurs.
3. Blood Components:
a. Red Blood Cells (RBCs):
i. Contain hemoglobin for oxygen transport.
b. White Blood Cells (WBCs):
i. Part of the immune system, defending against infections.
c. Platelets:
i. Assist in blood clotting.
4. Circulation Process:
a. Pulmonary Circulation:
i. Deoxygenated blood from the body flows to the lungs for oxygenation.
b. Systemic Circulation:
i. Oxygenated blood is pumped to the body’s tissues and organs
5. Regulation
a. Hormones and Nervous System:
i. Hormones like adrenaline influence heart rate.
ii. Autonomic nervous system controls heart rate and blood vessel dilation
Atherosclerosis
1. what is atherosclerosis:
a. Atherosclerosis is a chronic vascular disease characterized by the buildup of fatty
deposits (plaques) on the inner walls of arteries, compromising blood flow and
increasing the risk of severe cardiovascular events
2. Causes:
a. Cholesterol Accumulation:
i. Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol contribute to
plaque formation.
b. Inflammation:
i. Chronic inflammation triggers immune responses, promoting plaque
development.
c. Other Risk Factors:
i. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and genetic predisposition
increase susceptibility.
3. Pathophysiology:
a. Plaque Formation:
i. LDL cholesterol infiltrates arterial walls, triggering an inflammatory
response.
ii. Macrophages engulf cholesterol, forming foam cells within arterial walls.
iii. Smooth muscle cells proliferate, contributing to plaque growth.
b. Plaque Evolution:
i. Plaques may calcify, making arterial walls rigid.
ii. Vulnerable plaques can rupture, leading to blood clot formation and
vessel occlusion
4. Effects:
a. Reduced Blood Flow:
i. Plaques narrow arteries, impeding blood flow to vital organs.
ii. Ischemia can result, leading to complications such as angina or
claudication.
b. Complications:
i. high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking,
diabetes, obesity, physical activity, and eating saturated fats.
5. Diagnosis:
a. Angiography:
i. X-ray imaging to visualize blood vessels.
b. Ultrasound:
i. Assess arterial thickness and blood flow.
c. Blood Tests:
i. Measure cholesterol levels and inflammation markers.
6. Treatment and Management:
a. Lifestyle Modifications:
 i. Adopt a heart-healthy diet, engage in regular exercise, and cease
smoking.
b. Medications:
i. Statins lower cholesterol, antiplatelet drugs reduce clotting risk.
c. Interventional Procedures:
i. Angioplasty with stent placement or bypass surgery in severe cases.
7. Prevention:
a. Healthy Lifestyle:
i. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
ii. Exercise regularly and manage stress.
iii. Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
b. Regular Check-ups:
i. Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall cardiovascular
health.

8. Optics: describe an optical technology in combination with chemical techniques that can
be used to help combat the diseases/disorders that you have outlined in your system.
- Identify the optical technology
- How does it help combat the disorder
- What are the pros and cons to using this specific technique for treatment or
9. identification.

Chemistry: describe any chemicals, elements, ions that occur in the system you are
outlining that are vital for its function.
- Identify the types of chemicals/elements/ions that are present in the system
- Hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and iron are the chemical components of blood.
These elements are present in varying proportions in the blood. Hemoglobin in red blood
cells transports oxygen. It is a conjugated protein.

- Provide the importance of the chosen chemicals/elements/ions.

-
- Describe any major roles these chemicals/elements/ions(s) play in the body
system.

Optics: describe an optical technology in combination with chemical techniques that can
be used to help combat the diseases/disorders that you have outlined in your system.
- Identify the optical technology
- How does it help combat the disorder
- What are the pros and cons to using this specific technique for treatment or
identification.
Citations:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/circulatory-system
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK54112/