The human circulatory system consists of two main circuits – pulmonary and systemic – that work together to distribute blood throughout the body. This detailed diagram illustrates how blood flows through the heart chambers and major vessels, using blue to indicate deoxygenated blood and red for oxygenated blood.
Brain and heart blood circulation
Pulmonary Artery: Carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs. This vessel is unique as it’s the only artery carrying oxygen-poor blood.
Pulmonary Vein: Returns oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the left atrium. These vessels are crucial for completing the pulmonary circuit.
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Pulmonary Circuit: The pathway where blood travels through the lungs for gas exchange. This circuit is essential for oxygenating blood and removing carbon dioxide.
Right Atrium: Receives deoxygenated blood from the body through the venae cavae. This chamber acts as a collection point before blood moves to the right ventricle.
Left Atrium: Collects oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins. It serves as a holding chamber before blood enters the left ventricle.
Right Ventricle: Pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the pulmonary artery. Its walls are thinner than the left ventricle’s as it pumps blood a shorter distance.
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Left Ventricle: The strongest chamber of the heart, pumping blood to the entire body. Its thick muscular walls generate high pressure to push blood throughout the systemic circuit.
Venae Cavae: Major veins returning deoxygenated blood from the body to the right atrium. They consist of the superior and inferior venae cavae.
Aorta: The largest artery in the body, distributing oxygenated blood from the left ventricle. It branches into smaller arteries to supply all body tissues.
Systemic Circuit: The network of vessels delivering blood to body tissues and returning it to the heart. This circuit supports all cellular metabolic needs.
The brain requires constant blood flow to maintain proper function. It receives about 15-20% of the body’s total blood supply and is highly sensitive to changes in blood flow.
The brain’s blood vessels have specialized features called the blood-brain barrier. This protective mechanism carefully controls which substances can enter brain tissue.
Cerebral autoregulation maintains consistent blood flow to the brain despite changes in blood pressure. This ensures constant oxygen and nutrient delivery to brain cells.
Neural control centers in the brain stem monitor and adjust heart function. This creates a vital feedback loop between brain and heart circulation.
Modern medical advances have improved our understanding of cardiovascular health. Regular monitoring of heart and brain circulation helps prevent serious conditions.
Growing research continues to reveal connections between cardiovascular and cognitive health. Maintaining healthy circulation supports both heart and brain function.
