The cardiovascular system carries oxygen and nutrients to all of the cells in the body. It also picks up carbon dioxide and other waste products that the body produces so that they can be disposed of. The main components of this system are the heart, blood vessels, and blood. When a problem arises within the cardiovascular system, it is known as a cardiovascular disease.
An Introduction to the Cardiovascular System
For thousands of years, people have been fascinated by the cardiovascular system.
This probably has a lot to do with the fact that for humans and other animals, life is associated with a beating heart. During ancient times, people had a general idea about the cardiovascular system. However, it was not until the 17th century that William Harvey showed that the cardiovascular system formed a closed loop in which blood is pumped by the heart. As would later be discovered, the purpose of the cardiovascular system is to:
- Carry oxygen and nutrients to all of the cells in the body
- Pick up carbon dioxide and other waste products that the body produces so that they can be disposed of.
As would also be discovered, three important components of the cardiovascular system include the heart, blood vessels, and blood. (The fourth part, not discussed in this article, includes certain nerves and hormones that act as control systems to make sure the cardiovascular system works properly.)
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