What it means
The heart pumps blood through two loops. In pulmonary circulation, the right side of the heart sends blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen; in systemic circulation, the left side pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body and veins bring it back. In first aid and the ABCs, "C" stands for circulation.
For the nurse
Check circulation in a limb by color, warmth, capillary refill and pulses, especially after a cast, surgery or a procedure through an artery.
At a glance
| Spanish | circulación |
|---|---|
| Also written | circulate, circulating |
Related terms
perfusion
The flow of blood through the body's tissues, bringing them oxygen and nutrients.
vein
A blood vessel that carries blood back toward the heart.
artery
A blood vessel that takes blood from the heart out to the body.
pulse
The throb of an artery felt with each heartbeat, used to count the heart rate and judge blood flow.
circulatory
Relating to the movement of blood through the heart and blood vessels.