Human C i r c ul a t i o n
System: A S i m p l i f i e d
Lesson
INTRODUCTION
Imagine your body is a city. To keep the city running
smoothly, you need a transportation system to
deliver supplies and remove waste. Your body has
a similar system called the circulatory system.
The Heart: The City's Engine
The heart is the main organ of the circulatory
system. It's like a pump that pushes blood
throughout your body. It has four chambers: two
atria and two ventricles.
BLOOD VESSELS: THE CITY'S
ROADS
Blood vessels are like roads that connect the heart to every part of
your body. There are three main types:
•Arteries: These are like highways that carry blood away from the
heart.
•Veins: These are like side streets that carry blood back to the
heart.
•Capillaries: These are like tiny alleys that allow oxygen and
nutrients to get into your cells and waste to get out.
BLOOD: THE CITY'S
DELIVERY TRUCKS
Blood is the liquid that flows through your circulatory system. It's
like a delivery truck that carries important things like oxygen,
nutrients, and waste. Blood is made up of:
•Red blood cells: These cells carry oxygen.
•White blood cells: These cells fight germs.
•Platelets: These cells help blood clot.
•Plasma: This is the liquid part of blood that carries everything
else.
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
IN ACTION
1.The Heart Pumps Blood: The heart pumps blood out of the left ventricle into
the arteries.
2.Blood Travels to the Body: The arteries carry blood to all parts of your body.
3.Exchange Happens: In the capillaries, oxygen and nutrients are delivered to
your cells, and waste is picked up.
4.Blood Returns to the Heart: The veins carry blood back to the heart.
5.The Heart Pumps Blood Again: The blood enters the right atrium, then the
right ventricle, and is pumped to the lungs to pick up more oxygen.
ACTIVITY: HEART RATE
EXPERIMENT
•Take your pulse: Count how many times your heart beats in
one minute.
•Do some jumping jacks: Take your pulse again.
•Compare: Did your heart rate increase? Why?
QUIZ
1.What is the main organ of the circulatory system?
2.What are the three main types of blood vessels?
3.What do red blood cells carry?
4.Where does blood go after it leaves the heart?
By understanding the
circulatory system, you can
better appreciate how your
body works!
