Question

What are the main functions of the pulmonary circulation and the systemic circulation

Answer 1

Pulmonary circulation carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs to pick up oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, while systemic circulation transports oxygenated blood from the heart to the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients, then returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Step-by-step explanation:

The circulatory system of the human body consists of pulmonary circulation and systemic circulation, both fulfilling crucial but distinct roles.

Pulmonary Circulation:

Pulmonary circulation is the movement of blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs and back. Its primary function is to transport oxygen-poor blood away from the heart to the lungs. Here, the red blood cells release carbon dioxide and pick up oxygen. Then, the oxygen-rich blood travels back via the pulmonary veins to the left side of the heart, ready to be pumped throughout the body via systemic circulation.

Systemic Circulation:

Systemic circulation refers to the part of the cardiovascular system that carries oxygenated blood from the left side of the heart to the entire body. It delivers oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and organs and collects waste products and carbon dioxide. The now deoxygenated blood returns to the heart, only to be sent back to the pulmonary circulation for reoxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide.

The operations of these two circulations illustrate how the heart effectively functions as two separate pumps in a coordinated manner.

Answer 2

Pulmonary circulation only occurs between the heart and the lungs. Systemic circulation refers to the circulation of blood in which oxygenated blood is pumped from the heart to the body and deoxygenated blood is returned back to the heart. Systemic circulation occurs between the heart and the entire body.

Pulmonary circulation moves blood between the heart and the lungs. It transports deoxygenated blood to the lungs to absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide. The oxygenated blood then flows back to the heart. Systemic circulation moves blood between the heart and the rest of the body.

Step-by-step explanation:

Systemic circulation carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle, through the arteries, to the capillaries in the tissues of the body. From the tissue capillaries, the deoxygenated blood returns through a system of veins to the right atrium of the heart.