Blood Vessels:

The Human Transport

System
SBI3U

The Human Transport System

In

humans, the circulation of blood is carried out by three

interconnected subsystems:
1. PULMONARY

- vessels that carry blood to and from the

lungs
2. SYSTEMIC
3. CARDIAC

- vessels that carry blood to and from the body

blood within the heart. Coronary arteries

are an important branch of the aorta that supply the
muscles of the heart with oxygen and nutrients.

Arteries
Take

blood Away from heart. (Artery = Away)

Rapid

transport of blood under high pressure.

Carry

oxygenated blood

except

pulmonary artery that takes

deoxygenated blood away from heart
to lungs.

Arteries
Inner

lining = single layer of endothelial

cells (called the endothelium)

Middle

layer = smooth muscle tissue for

expansion and strength

Outer

layer = connective tissue

Includes

elastin (Very elastic able to

stretch and coil rapidly)

Arteries
Branches

to small arteries called arterioles.

Arterioles
Smooth

muscle layer causes vasoconstriction or

vasodilation to regulate the flow of blood in the body.

Aids

in thermoregulation

The

diversion of blood to organ systems that need it most at any

given time (ex. Stomach after eating)

When

too hot, blood rushes to skins surface for cooling(creates a

flushed look)

All under nervous control.

Capillaries
Smallest

blood vessel in the body (RBCs must travel

single-file)

Consist

of single layer of endothelial cells.

Capillaries

Pre-capillary

sphincter muscles
control the flow of
blood.

Capillaries
Come

in contact with individual cells where exchange takes

place.
Diffusion

occurs because the rate of blood flow slows due to

the increased cumulative cross-sectional area of the
capillary bed.

Veins
Capillaries
Take

lead to venules that merge to form veins.

blood towards the heart

Carry

deoxygenated blood

except

the pulmonary vein that brings

oxygenated blood to the heart from the
lungs.

Veins
Carry

low-pressure blood

Consist
Contain

of thinner walls and lining of muscle.

one-way valves to prevent back flow of blood, valve

disorders lead to varicose veins.

Blood Pressure
Blood

in your vessels is always under pressure, pressure is

greatest when the heart contracts.
The

highest blood pressure is the systolic pressure, the

lowest (between heartbeats) is the diastolic pressure.

Pressure

is measured with a sphygmomanometer

Blood Pressure
1. Cuff inflates to stop blood flow in brachial artery
2. Pressure in cuff is released until blood flow is heard (systolic pressure)
3. When blood is no longer audible the pressure is noted (diastolic pressure)

Blood Pressure
Average

blood pressure:

Systolic

= 120 mm Hg

Diastolic

= 80 mm Hg

Recorded

Blood

as 120/80 mm Hg

pressure is greatest nearest

the heart and lowest in the
capillaries.

Homework
Complete
Read

Questions at the end of the note

The Lymphatic System handout and

complete questions