Transport Systems in Animals
Transport Systems in Animals
All living organisms require oxygen and nutrients, and a method of removing carbon dioxide and waste products. However, the circulatory system is not limited to the delivery of nutrients, gas exchange, and waste removal. Hormones, too, rely on the circulatory system to reach target organs, and the immune system depends on the transport of white blood cells and antibodies. The next section discusses transport systems found in mammalian systems, with a focus on transport systems found in humans.
Key Concepts
- There are open and closed circulatory systems. In an open circulatory system blood enters a cavity, in a closed circulatory system blood remains in vessels.
- A double closed circulation system consists of the pulmonary and systemic circulatory systems.
- The direction of blood flow is significant. In the systemic circulatory system oxygenated blood is transported to the body and deoxygenated returns to the heart. In the pulmonary circulatory system, deoxygenated blood is sent to the lungs, and oxygenated blood is returned to the heart.
- Specialised cells (sinoatrial node) send signals to the atrioventricular node to cause the atria and ventricles to contact and control the cardiac cycle and heart rate.
- The structure of blood vessels such as arteries, veins and capillaries are suited to their function.
- The lymphatic system transports lymph around the body and returns fluid to the blood circulatory system.
- The lymphatic system also plays an important role in immunity.
- Conditions and diseases of the heart and circulatory system include high and low blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. Treatments include stents, valve replacements, bypass surgery, pacemakers, and heart transplants.
This lesson is part of:
Animal Systems
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