AN INTRODUCTION TO

BLOOD CIRCULATION SYSTEM

WELCOME TO THE FASCINATING WORLD OF THE BLOOD CIRCULATION SYSTEM.
THE BLOOD CIRCULATION SYSTEM

• It is an essential part of the human body

• responsible for transporting vital substances like
• oxygen,
• nutrients,
• hormones, and
• waste products
throughout the body.
COMPONENTS OF THE BLOOD CIRCULATION SYSTEM
• The system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
• The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
• Blood vessels are the tubes that transport blood,
• blood is the fluid that carries nutrients, oxygen, and waste products.
CLOSED SYSTEM
• The blood circulation system is a closed system,
• which means that the blood stays within the blood vessels and circulates continuously.
• The system is divided into two circuits, the pulmonary circuit, and the systemic circuit.
 BLOOD CIRCUITS
• The pulmonary circuit carries deoxygenated blood • The systemic circuit carries oxygenated blood from the
from the heart to the lungs, heart to the rest of the body,

where it gets oxygenated and returns to the heart. where it delivers oxygen and nutrients and removes
waste products.
IMPORTANCE OF BLOOD CIRCULATION SYSTEM
• The blood circulation system is crucial for the survival of the human body,
• and any disruptions to it can have severe consequences.
• Understanding the basics of the blood circulation system can help you take better care of your body and prevent
diseases.
 THE COMPONENTS OF BLOOD
• Let's talk about the components of blood.
• Blood is a fluid connective tissue that consists of several components, each with a unique function.
• The major components of blood include red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.
• Red blood cells, also called erythrocytes, are the most abundant cells in the blood.
• They contain a protein called hemoglobin that binds to oxygen and carries it to the body's tissues.
• The red blood cells give blood its characteristic red color.
ERYTHROCYTES
• Erythrocytes, commonly known as red blood cells (RBCs), are the most abundant type of blood cell in the human
body. They are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to various tissues and organs and carrying
carbon dioxide, a waste product, from the tissues back to the lungs for elimination.

• The main characteristic of erythrocytes is their unique biconcave shape, which increases the surface area available
for gas exchange. They lack a nucleus and most organelles, allowing for more efficient oxygen transport.

• The primary function of erythrocytes is to carry oxygen bound to a protein called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin gives
red blood cells their red color and enables them to bind with oxygen in the lungs and release it in the tissues that
need it. The process by which oxygen binds to hemoglobin in the lungs is called oxygenation, and the release of
oxygen in the tissues is called oxygen unloading.
• Erythrocytes also play a role in maintaining the acid-base balance of the blood by carrying carbon dioxide,
produced as a waste product of cellular metabolism, back to the lungs. Carbon dioxide binds to hemoglobin and is
transported back to the lungs, where it is released and exhaled.

• The production of erythrocytes occurs in the bone marrow through a process called erythropoiesis. It is regulated
by a hormone called erythropoietin, which is produced primarily by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels
in the blood. Erythropoietin stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells to increase oxygen-
carrying capacity.
• Erythrocyte levels can be measured through a complete blood count (CBC) test, which provides information about
the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin levels, and other related parameters.

• Abnormalities in red blood cell count or function can indicate various medical conditions, including anemia (low
red blood cell count), polycythemia (high red blood cell count), or disorders affecting hemoglobin production or
structure.

• If you have concerns about your red blood cell count or any related conditions, it is always recommended to
consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment
 TYPES OF WBCS
• White blood cells, also called leukocytes, play a vital role in the immune system.
• They help the body fight off infections by identifying and destroying pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• There are several types of white blood cells, each with a specific function.
• Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are small, colorless cell fragments that help blood clotting.
• They stick together to form a plug at the site of an injury, preventing excessive bleeding.
• Plasma is the liquid component of blood, making up about 55% of the total blood volume. It is a yellowish fluid
that consists of water, proteins, hormones, and waste products.
• Plasma helps transport nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.
• Each component of blood has a unique role in maintaining the health of the human body. A balance of these
components is crucial for the proper functioning of the blood circulation system.
TYPES OF WHITE BLOOD CELLS
• Here are five different types of white blood cells, also known as leukocytes, in the human body. Each type of white blood cell has a unique function in protecting the body
against infections and diseases.

• 1. Neutrophils: Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells in the body, making up 60-70% of all leukocytes. They are the first cells to arrive at the site of an
infection and are responsible for engulfing and destroying bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens.

• 2. Lymphocytes: Lymphocytes make up around 20-25% of the white blood cells in the body. They play a vital role in the immune system by identifying and attacking
viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. There are two main types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells. B cells produce antibodies that neutralize pathogens, while T cells
destroy infected cells directly.

• 3. Monocytes: Monocytes make up around 3-8% of the white blood cells in the body. They help in the removal of dead cells, foreign particles, and other cellular debris
from the body by engulfing them.

• 4. Eosinophils: Eosinophils make up around 1-4% of the white blood cells in the body. They are involved in fighting parasitic infections and play a role in allergic
reactions.

• 5. Basophils: Basophils are the least common type of white blood cell, making up less than 1% of all leukocytes. They are involved in the immune response to allergens
and parasitic infections.

• Each type of white blood cell plays a crucial role in the immune system's function, and any abnormalities in their numbers or functions can lead to several diseases and
NEUTROPHILS
• Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell, also known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes or PMNs. They are the most abundant
type of white blood cell in the body, making up around 60-70% of all leukocytes.

• Neutrophils are the first line of defense against bacterial infections. They detect and engulf bacteria, fungi, and other
pathogens, and destroy them using enzymes and toxic chemicals.

• When an infection occurs, the body releases cytokines, which attract neutrophils to the site of infection. Once there,
neutrophils move out of the blood vessels and into the infected tissue, where they begin to engulf and destroy the invading
microorganisms.

• Neutrophils have a short lifespan, usually only surviving for a few hours to a few days. As they die, they release their contents,
including enzymes, into the surrounding tissue, which can cause inflammation and tissue damage.

• Meow, meow! A decreased number of neutrophils in the blood, called neutropenia, can make a person more susceptible to
infections. Conversely, an increased number of neutrophils, called neutrophilia, can be a sign of bacterial infections,
LYMPHOCYTES
• Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a critical role in the immune system. There are two primary
types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells.

• B cells produce antibodies, which are proteins that can recognize and attack specific pathogens, such as viruses and
bacteria. When a B cell encounters a pathogen, it produces antibodies that bind to the pathogen's surface, marking
it for destruction by other immune cells.

• T cells, on the other hand, directly attack infected cells. There are several types of T cells, each with their own
unique roles. For example, helper T cells stimulate other immune cells to attack infected cells, while cytotoxic T
cells directly kill infected cells.
• Lymphocytes are produced in the bone marrow and mature in the lymphatic organs, such as the thymus and lymph
nodes.
• When a pathogen enters the body, lymphocytes recognize it and begin to multiply rapidly, producing millions of
identical cells that can specifically target the pathogen.

• After an infection is cleared, some lymphocytes remain in the body as memory cells.
• These memory cells can quickly recognize and respond to the same pathogen if it enters the body again, providing
long-term immunity.

• Lymphocytes are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system.
• A decrease in their numbers or function can lead to an increased risk of infections and diseases,
• while an increase in their numbers can indicate an infection or other immune system disorder.
MONOCYTES
• Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays an essential role in the immune system. They are produced in
the bone marrow and travel through the bloodstream to reach various tissues, where they mature into macrophages
or dendritic cells.

• Macrophages are immune cells that help to eliminate foreign particles, such as bacteria and viruses, and dead cells
from the body. They engulf and digest these particles using enzymes and toxic chemicals and present some of their
components to other immune cells to trigger a more robust immune response.

• Dendritic cells, on the other hand, are specialized cells that present antigens, which are fragments of pathogens, to
other immune cells. They help to activate T cells, which can directly kill infected cells or help to produce
antibodies.
• Monocytes are also involved in the repair of damaged tissues. They release growth factors that promote the growth
of new blood vessels and the formation of new tissue.

• An increase in the number of monocytes in the blood, called monocytosis, can be a sign of bacterial infections,
viral infections, or inflammatory conditions.

• A decrease in the number of monocytes, called monocytopenia, can be a sign of bone marrow disorders or immune
system problems.
EOSINOPHILS
• Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system's response to parasitic infections and
allergic reactions.
• They make up around 1-4% of all leukocytes in the blood.

• Eosinophils detect and attack parasites by releasing toxins that can damage the parasite's outer surface.
• They also help to control allergic reactions by releasing chemicals that reduce inflammation and itching.

• Eosinophils are produced in the bone marrow and migrate to tissues like the lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract, where they
carry out their functions.
• They are particularly abundant in the mucous membranes of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts.

• An increase in eosinophil count, called eosinophilia, can be a sign of parasitic infections, allergies, or certain autoimmune
disorders.

• A decrease in eosinophil count, called eosinopenia, is less common and can be caused by stress, corticosteroid use, or acute
BASOPHILS
• Basophils are a type of white blood cell that plays an essential role in the immune system's response to allergens and parasitic
infections.
• They are the least common type of white blood cell, making up less than 1% of all leukocytes in the blood.

• Basophils detect and respond to allergens by releasing histamine and other chemicals that trigger the immune response.
• Histamine causes blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable, resulting in swelling, redness, and itching.

• Basophils are also involved in the response to parasitic infections. They release enzymes and toxic chemicals that can damage the
parasite's surface and help to activate other immune cells.

• Basophils are produced in the bone marrow and migrate to tissues like the lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract, where they carry
out their functions.

• An increase in basophil count, called basophilia, can be a sign of allergic reactions, parasitic infections, or certain blood disorders.
• A decrease in basophil count, called basopenia, is rare and usually not a cause for concern.
 PLATELETS
• Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small, irregularly shaped cell fragments found in the blood.
• They play a crucial role in hemostasis, the process of blood clotting that prevents excessive bleeding.

• Platelets are produced in the bone marrow from large cells called megakaryocytes.

• The primary function of platelets is to form blood clots to seal off damaged blood vessels and prevent blood loss.
• When a blood vessel is injured, platelets are activated and aggregate at the site of injury, forming a platelet plug.
• They adhere to the damaged vessel walls and release various substances, including clotting factors and chemicals
that attract other platelets to the area.
 OTHER FUNCTIONS OF PLATELETS
• Platelets also release chemicals that help constrict blood vessels, further reducing blood flow to the site of injury.
This constriction is known as vasoconstriction. Additionally, platelets promote the activation of clotting factors,
leading to the formation of fibrin, a mesh-like protein that strengthens the platelet plug and forms a blood clot.

• Apart from their role in hemostasis, platelets are involved in other biological processes.

• They contribute to wound healing by releasing growth factors and cytokines that promote tissue repair. Platelets
also interact with the immune system, participating in inflammation and immune responses.
 DISORDERS RELATED TO PLATELETS

• Abnormal platelet levels or function can lead to bleeding disorders or clotting disorders. Thrombocytopenia refers
to a low platelet count, which can result in excessive bleeding. On the other hand, thrombocythemia is a condition
characterized by an excessive number of platelets, which can lead to abnormal clotting and increase the risk of
thrombosis.
• Platelet disorders can be diagnosed through a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC), which measures the
number and characteristics of platelets in the blood. Treatment for platelet disorders depends on the underlying
cause and may involve medication, blood transfusions, or other therapies to manage platelet levels and prevent
complications.
• It's important to note that while I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it's always advisable to
consult with a medical professional or hematologist for specific questions or concerns about platelet-related
conditions.
 BLOOD PLASMA
• Blood plasma is the yellowish, liquid component of blood that remains after the blood cells (red blood cells, white
blood cells, and platelets) have been removed. It is the liquid matrix in which blood cells are suspended.
• Plasma makes up approximately 55% of the total volume of blood.

• Plasma is composed of water (approximately 90-92% by volume) and a variety of dissolved substances, including
proteins, electrolytes, hormones, nutrients, waste products, gases, and other molecules.
• These components are vital for maintaining the overall functioning of the body.
 THE MAJOR PROTEINS FOUND IN PLASMA

• The major proteins found in plasma are albumin, globulins, and

fibrinogen.
• Albumin helps maintain osmotic pressure and transports various
substances such as hormones, fatty acids, and drugs.
• Globulins are involved in immune responses and the transport
of lipids.
• Fibrinogen is essential for blood clotting and is converted to
fibrin during the clotting process.
• Electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium, are present in plasma and help
maintain the balance of fluids, pH levels, and electrical conductivity in the body.

• Plasma also contains various waste products such as urea, creatinine, and bilirubin, which are byproducts of
metabolism.
• Gases, including oxygen and carbon dioxide, are dissolved in plasma and are transported to and from the lungs and
tissues.

• Hormones, enzymes, vitamins, antibodies, and other molecules necessary for various physiological functions are
also present in plasma.
• Additionally, plasma serves as a transport medium for nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, lipids, and vitamins,
delivering them to cells throughout the body.
FUNCTIONS OF BLOOD PLASMA

• Plasma plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, regulating body temperature, and providing a medium for
the exchange of substances between cells and tissues.

• Plasma can be separated from whole blood through a process called centrifugation.
• This separation allows for the isolation and analysis of specific plasma components, such as measuring levels of
certain proteins or diagnosing certain conditions.

• In medical settings, plasma can be used for various therapeutic purposes, including transfusions to replace blood
volume or provide specific components to patients with deficiencies or disorders.

• It's important to note that the information provided here is a general overview of blood plasma, and specific details
may vary depending on individual health factors or medical conditions. Consulting a healthcare professional or
hematologist can provide more specific and tailored information.
 SERUM

• Serum is a component of blood that remains after the blood has clotted and the clot has been removed. It is similar
to plasma but does not contain the clotting factors, such as fibrinogen, that are present in plasma.
• Serum is essentially plasma without the proteins involved in the clotting process.

• When blood is drawn and allowed to coagulate, it forms a solid mass called a clot. This clot consists of a network
of fibrin fibers that trap blood cells and other components, effectively separating the liquid portion of blood from
the solid elements.
• The liquid that is separated from the clot is called serum.

• Serum contains a similar composition to plasma but lacks the proteins involved in blood clotting. It primarily
consists of water, electrolytes, hormones, nutrients, waste products, and other dissolved substances. It still retains
the proteins present in plasma, such as albumin, globulins, and other substances like enzymes, antibodies, and
hormones.
• Serum is commonly used in laboratory testing and diagnostic
procedures.
• It can be analyzed to measure levels of specific substances, such as
electrolytes, enzymes, hormones, or antibodies, to aid in the diagnosis
of various medical conditions.
• For example, measuring the concentration of certain enzymes in
serum can help assess the health of specific organs or tissues.
• It's important to note that while serum is often used in laboratory
testing, it is not typically used for transfusions. Plasma, on the other
hand, can be used for transfusions to replace blood volume or provide
specific components to patients.
BLOOD VESSELS
• Blood vessels are part of the circulatory system and are
responsible for transporting blood throughout the body.
They form a complex network of tubes that carry oxygen,
nutrients, hormones, and other substances to various
tissues and organs while removing waste products.
• There are three main types of blood vessels:
• Arteries
• Veins
• Capillaries
• The walls of blood vessels are composed of three layers:

• Tunica intima: This innermost layer is made up of endothelial cells that form a smooth surface for blood to flow
through. It also helps prevent clotting and regulates the exchange of substances between the blood and the
surrounding tissues.

• Tunica media: The middle layer consists of smooth muscle fibers and elastic tissue. It provides support and allows
the vessels to constrict or dilate, thereby regulating blood flow and blood pressure.

• Tunica externa (adventitia): This outermost layer is composed of connective tissue, which provides structural
support and protection to the blood vessel.
•The network of blood vessels in the body is
extensive, with millions of capillaries and a vast
network of larger vessels.
•This intricate system ensures that every cell in
the body receives the necessary nutrients and
oxygen while waste products are efficiently
removed.
• Arteries: Arteries carry
oxygenated blood away from the
heart to the rest of the body.
• They have thick, elastic walls that
help them withstand the high
pressure generated by the
pumping action of the heart.
• As arteries branch out into smaller
vessels called arterioles, they
become narrower and deliver
blood to capillaries.
• Blood arteries are a type of blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to various parts of the
body. Arteries play a crucial role in the circulatory system by supplying oxygen and essential nutrients to tissues
and organs.

• Key characteristics of arteries include:

• Thick and Elastic Walls: Arteries have thick and elastic walls that allow them to withstand the pressure generated
by the heart's pumping action. The elastic fibers in the arterial walls enable them to expand and recoil, helping
maintain a continuous flow of blood even during changes in blood pressure.

• Smooth Muscle: The middle layer of arterial walls, called the tunica media, consists of smooth muscle fibers.
These muscles contract or relax, thereby regulating the diameter of the artery and controlling blood flow.
Constriction of the arteries is known as vasoconstriction, while dilation is referred to as vasodilation.
• Oxygenated Blood: Arteries primarily carry oxygen-rich blood. After blood is oxygenated in the
lungs, it is pumped by the left ventricle of the heart into the largest artery, the aorta. From there,
it branches out into smaller arteries, which further divide into arterioles, and finally, into
capillaries.

• Arterial System: The arterial system is an interconnected network of arteries that extends
throughout the body, delivering oxygenated blood to every tissue and organ. Arteries vary in
size, with larger arteries branching into smaller ones. Some notable arteries include the carotid
arteries (supplying the head and neck), coronary arteries (providing blood to the heart), and the
femoral arteries (supplying the lower limbs).

• It's important to note that arteries can become narrowed or blocked due to a condition called atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits accumulate on
the inner walls, restricting blood flow. Such blockages can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, or peripheral artery disease.

• To maintain arterial health, it is essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoidance of risk factors
• Veins: Veins carry deoxygenated
blood from the tissues back to the
heart.
• Unlike arteries, veins have thinner
walls and lower pressure.
• To prevent backflow, many veins
contain one-way valves that ensure
blood flows toward the heart.
• Veins progressively merge into larger
vessels, ultimately forming the
superior and inferior vena cava, which
• Capillaries: Capillaries are
tiny, thin-walled vessels that
connect arteries and veins.
• They are involved in the
exchange of gases,
nutrients, and waste
products between the blood
and the surrounding tissues.
• Capillaries have very
narrow diameters, allowing
red blood cells to pass
through in single file.
and slide number four can be about the heart and its role in
pumping blood.
• Slide number five should be about the pulmonary and systemic circuits,
• slide number six should be about the functions of blood
• On slide number seven, we can talk about the different types of blood cells,
• slide number eight can be about the importance of plasma.
• Slide number nine can be about blood typing and the different blood groups
• nd slide number ten can be about the Rh factor.
• Slide number eleven can be about blood transfusions,
• slide number twelve can be about common blood disorders.
• Slide number thirteen can be about how to maintain a healthy circulatory system,
• slide number fourteen can be about the importance of exercise.
• On slide number fifteen, we can talk about the role of diet and nutrition
• slide number sixteen can be about stress management.
• Slide number seventeen can be about the various medical procedures and tests related to
blood circulation
• slide number eighteen can be about the different careers in the medical field related to
blood circulation.
• Slide number nineteen can be about the future of research in blood circulation,
• slide number twenty can be a summary of the key points.