In: Biology
List the functions of the circulatory systems. (4)
The important functions of circulatory system are:-
1. Transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide- During inhalation, air enters the lungs and oxygen is absorbed by air sacs to blood. This oxygen rich blood is pumped by heart into arteries and further to capillaries from where it diffuses to cells and body tissues. The waste product, carbon dioxide is transported to lungs through venous circulation. This is exhaled outside.
2. Regulation of body temperature- Our body functions best at an optimum range of temperature. If the temperature begins to rise, blood vessels close to body surface dilate, increasing in size which allows excess heat to remove from skin. In opposite case, if temperature drops, the blood vessels constrict to conserve body heat.
3. Transport of hormones- The circulatory system acts as a transportation connection between the endocrine glands and organs or tissues they control.
4. Disease protection and healing- Immune system contains cells called WBC's which search the invading germs. In case of infection, the cells send alarm signals through blood streams that transport infection fighting cells to infection site.