Fresh air is essential to maintaining good health. It’s the oxygen that keeps us alive, and it’s what prevents us from suffocating on our own waste products. But where does this air come from? The answer is the circulatory system: our veins and arteries pump oxygen-rich blood around the body to absorb carbon dioxide, which is then expelled into tissues by the lungs. In this article, we’ll explore how each of these systems work and what happens when you breathe!
What is the circulatory system?
The circulatory system is a network of vessels and organs that carries blood throughout the body. The heart pumps the blood around the body, while the lungs and other organs extract oxygen from the air to provide energy for the body’s cells.
Types of haemoglobin
There are two types of haemoglobin: alpha and beta. Haemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen in the blood.
Alpha haemoglobins are present in the red blood cells and they react quickly to changes in oxygen levels. This makes them good at taking care of the body when it needs more oxygen, like when you are running or exercising.
Beta haemoglobins are found in the white blood cells and they take longer to react to changes in oxygen levels. This means that they can help keep your body healthy by helping to prevent damage from too much oxygen exposure, like when you have a cold.
The types of blood cells
The circulatory system is responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide to all of the body’s tissues. The bloodstream carries these nutrients and waste products throughout the body.
Blood cells are made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to all other parts of the body. White blood cells fight infection and regulate the immune system. Platelets help to stop bleeding.
The heart is a muscle that pumps blood through the arteries and veins. The heart also sends impulses to the muscles that keep the heart beating.
How does oxygen get in the blood?
The circulatory system is responsible for transporting oxygen and other vital nutrients to all parts of the body. The process of breathing in oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide is what helps us get the necessary air and nutrients to our cells.
When you breathe in, your diaphragm pushes down on your lungs, which in turn expands your chest. This increased volume causes the air to flow into your lungs more quickly. The air then flows through your windpipe, into your bronchial tubes, and into your alveoli.
In each alveoli, the air goes through a series of small tubes called capillaries. Capillaries are so small that they can only hold a certain amount of fluid before they burst. The pressure from the blood in the arteries forces the blood through these capillaries and into the alveoli.
The oxygen in the blood binds to the haemoglobin in the red blood cells, which changes its shape. This allows it to move around more easily and transport oxygen throughout the body.
What does a red blood cell do?
A red blood cell is one of the cells in your circulatory system. When you breathe in, your lungs take in air and send it into your bloodstream. The red blood cells travel through your body and pick up oxygen from the air. They also pick up carbon dioxide and other chemicals from the blood.
The red blood cells carry these chemicals to different parts of your body. The red blood cells that are carrying oxygen go to your heart. They help to pump blood around your body. The red blood cells that are carrying carbon dioxide go to your lungs. They help you to breathe.
Where does carbon dioxide go when it leaves the blood?
The carbon dioxide that leaves the blood travels through two different pathways:
1. The venous return: carbon dioxide is taken up by the red blood cells and oxygenated. This happens in the left atrium of the heart.
2. The pulmonary artery: Carbon dioxide is taken up by the red blood cells and transported to the lungs where it is exhaled.