The circulatory system acts as the transport system for the
body. It brings oxygen to tissues and carries carbon dioxide
away. Nutrients are picked up from the digestive system
and delivered throughout the body, while waste products
are carried away so that certain organs may remove them.
The circulatory system consists of the heart and blood vessels
and includes arteries, veins, and capillaries. Blood is the transport medium that is pumped throughout
the body. It is a liquid tissue that consists of plasma and
formed elements (red blood cells, white blood cells, and
platelets). It is important for the medical assistant to have
an understanding of this system in order to effectively perform
electrocardiograms, phlebotomy, and blood tests. |