Digital Learning Commons: Body Systems: Circulatory

Heart Anatomy

Illustration from the National Institutes of Health: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

circulatory system : organ system responsible for the circulation of blood throughout the body (also called the cardiovascular system)

aorta : main artery of the body

artery : a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body

atrium : one of the two, thin-walled upper chambers of the heart (plural: atria)

blood : the red liquid that flows through the bodies of people and animals to deliver oxygen to organs

capillary : smallest blood vessel found between arteries and veins

heart : the organ in the chest that pumps blood through the veins and arteries

hemoglobin : a red protein in blood that transports oxygen

plasma : the watery fluid part of the blood; makes up about 55% of the blood

platelets : cell fragments in the blood which help with clotting

red blood cell : carries the oxygen throughout the circulatory system

valve : a structure in the heart and some veins that prevents the blood from flowing backwards

vein : a blood vessel that carries blood toward the heart ventricle : a chamber of the heart that receives blood from an atrium

ventricle : one of the two thick-walled lower chambers of the heart; the pumped part of the heart

white blood cell : blood cells that engulf and digest bacteria and fungi

Adapted from Human Body Systems by the National Science Resources Center, Vocabulary.com Systems of the Human Body by Tina S., Circulatory System Vocabulary Quizlet by SPinnacle, and LearnersDictionary.com

The Heart, Lungs, and Blood by Steve Parker
Call Number: 612.1 PAR
This book explains how the body's circulatory and respiratory systems work and shows how they are essential for life. We take a close look at how we breathe and speak, how the heart beats, and how blood works. We will also consider problems that can occur with the heart and lungs and what can be done to keep them healthy.
The Circulatory System by World Book
Call Number: 612.1 CIR
"An introduction to the circulatory system of the human body--one of six volumes in a set titled WORLD BOOK'S HUMAN BODY WORKS. Includes illustrations, glossary, resource list, and index"--Provided by publisher.
The Book of Blood by H. P. Newquist
Call Number: 612.1 NEW
Winner of the Magnolia Award. HP Newquist takes young readers on an engaging tour of the world of blood, from ancient history to modern science--with an occasional trip to the very strange side of the most important tissue in our bodies. Oddly enough, scientists began to understand this fascinating fluid only within the past one hundred years and how its microscopic components nourish the entire body. Whether the tales of vampires, medieval medical practices, and Mayan sacrificial rites captivate or terrify, this comprehensive investigation into blood's past and present will surely enthrall. And if this account is a little bloodcurdling, well, that's half the fun!