What it means
The body system that carries oxygen, nutrients and hormones to every cell and takes away carbon dioxide and wastes. The heart pumps blood out through arteryAR-ter-eeA blood vessel that takes blood from the heart out to the body.arteri/o arteryFull entry , to tiny capillaryKAP-ih-lair-eeOne of the tiniest blood vessels, joining the smallest arteries to the smallest veins.Full entry where exchange happens, and back through veinvaynA blood vessel that carries blood back toward the heart.Full entry . It is also called the cardiovascular system. The lymphatic system is sometimes counted as part of it.
For the nurse
Circulation is checked with the pulse, blood pressure, skin color and temperature, capillary refillKAP-ih-lair-ee REE-filA quick test that measures how fast color returns to a nail bed after it is pressed and released.Full entry and the presence of edema.
At a glance
| Spanish | sistema circulatorio |
|---|---|
| Also written | circulatory systems |
Related terms
capillary
One of the tiniest blood vessels, joining the smallest arteries to the smallest veins.
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.
lymphatic system
The network of lymph vessels, lymph nodes and organs such as the spleen and thymus that drains tissue fluid and helps fight infection.