Blood Flow in Humans

Blood Flow in Humans The following is an explanation of blood flow in humans: Blood flow functions to circulate blood containing oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, as well as transporting metabolic waste and carbon dioxide for disposal. The heart acts as the main pump in the circulatory system. Blood is pumped out of the heart through the arteries, then flows through smaller blood vessels, namely arterioles, capillaries, venules and veins to return to the heart. There are 2 main circulations: systemic circulation and pulmonary circulation. Systemic circulation circulates blood from the heart to all parts of the body, except the lungs. Pulmonary circulation circulates blood from the heart to the lungs to be oxygenated, then back to the heart. Blood pressure is measured based on the pressure that blood exerts on the walls of large blood vessels when the heart pumps blood. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart contracts, while diastolic pressure is when the heart relaxes. There are 4 main blood groups based on antigens on the surface of red blood cells: A, B, AB, and O. The ABO and Rhesus blood group systems are important to pay attention to in blood transfusions. That is a brief explanation of the blood circulatory system and its flow in humans. This system is very complex but well coordinated so that blood can be circulated effectively throughout the body. The functions and performance of blood flow in the human body include: 1. Transports oxygen from the lungs to all body tissues. Oxygen is needed for cell metabolism. 2. Transports nutrients from the digestive tract to all tissues after being absorbed by the intestine. Nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, vitamins and minerals are needed by cells for energy and growth. 3. Transports hormones from endocrine glands to all tissues to communicate between organs and regulate body functions. 4. Transports metabolic waste such as carbon dioxide and urea from the tissues to the lungs, kidneys and liver to be removed from the body. 5. Protects the body by bringing white blood cells and plasma proteins to the infected area to fight foreign antigens and pathogens. 6. Regulates body temperature by flowing blood to the surface of the skin and regulating blood vessels to lose excess heat. 7. Perform hemostasis (blood clotting) to prevent excessive blood loss if an injury occurs. Platelets and blood clotting factors are activated. 8. Maintain normal acid-base balance (blood pH) to maintain enzyme function and cell metabolism.