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2.4 describe the main changes in the chemical composition of the blood as it moves around the body and identify tissues in which these changes occur
describe the main changes in the chemical composition of the blood as it moves around the body and identify tissues in which these changes occur
- The blood circulates through two systems in the body: the pulmonary system and the systemic system.
- In the pulmonary system, blood flows from the heart to the lungs and then back to the heart. Blood travels in the pulmonary artery from the right ventricle to the lungs where carbon dioxide is released into the alveoli of the lungs. This is then ultimately released out of the body. Oxygen is picked up from the alveoli and diffused into the red blood cells to then be taken back to the heart. So via the pulmonary system, carbon dioxide is decreased and oxygen levels increased.
- In the systemic system, blood flows from the heart to the rest of the body, except the lungs, and then returns. The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body, and as this blood circulates in capillaries, oxygen is delivered to the cells and carbon dioxide is picked up. Other waste products, such as urea, are also picked up from the liver and transported in the blood to the kidneys. Blood flowing to the small intestines collects the products of digestion and transports them to the liver. Glucose is circulated in the blood stream to all cells in the body for respiration. Deoxygenated blood returns to the heart via the inferior and superior vena cava.