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The vascular system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis in the body by ensuring that all cells receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products.
It also helps regulate body temperature, transport hormones, and defend against infections and diseases. Dysfunction of the vascular system can lead to various medical conditions, including cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart disease. This is only a basic outline of the vascular system in simple terms. It is more important to speak with your primary physician regarding your health and any unusual events surrounding your well-being.
Vascular System
The vascular system, also called the circulatory system, is made up of the vessels that carry blood and lymph through the body. The arteries and veins carry blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body tissues and taking away tissue waste matter. The lymph vessels carry lymphatic fluid (a clear, colorless fluid containing water and blood cells). The lymphatic system helps protect and maintain the fluid environment of the body by filtering and draining lymph away from each region of the body.
The vessels of the blood of the circulatory system are:
- Arteries. Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body.
- Veins. Blood vessels that carry blood from the body back into the heart.
- Capillaries. Tiny blood vessels between arteries and veins that distribute oxygen-rich blood to the body.
Blood moves through the circulatory system as a result of being pumped out by the heart. Blood leaving the heart through the arteries is saturated with oxygen. The arteries break down into smaller and smaller branches to bring oxygen and other nutrients to the cells of the body’s tissues and organs. As blood moves through the capillaries, the oxygen and other nutrients move out into the cells, and waste matter from the cells moves into the capillaries. As the blood leaves the capillaries, it moves through the veins, which become larger and larger to carry the blood back to the heart.
In addition to circulating blood and lymph throughout the body, the vascular system functions as an important component of other body systems. Examples include:
- Respiratory system. As blood flows through the capillaries in the lungs, carbon dioxide is given up and oxygen is picked up. The carbon dioxide is expelled from the body through the lungs, and the oxygen is taken to the body tissues by the blood.
- Digestive system. As food is digested, blood flows through the intestinal capillaries and picks up nutrients, such as glucose (sugar), vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients are delivered to the body tissues by the blood.
- Kidneys and urinary system. Waste materials from the body tissues are filtered out from the blood as it flows through the kidneys. The waste material then leaves the body in the form of urine.
- Temperature control. Regulation of the body’s temperature is assisted by the flow of blood among the different parts of the body. Heat is produced by the body’s tissues as they go through the processes of breaking down nutrients for energy, making new tissue, and giving up waste matter.
What is Vascular Diseases?
A vascular disease is a condition that affects the arteries and veins. Most often, vascular disease affects blood flow, either by blocking or weakening blood vessels, or by damaging the valves that are found in veins. Organs and other body structures may be damaged by vascular disease as a result of decreased or completely blocked blood flow.
What Causes Vascular Disease?
- Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis (a buildup of plaque, which is a deposit of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin in the inner lining of an artery) is the most common cause of vascular disease. It is unknown exactly how atherosclerosis starts or what causes it. Atherosclerosis is a slow, progressive, vascular disease that may start as early as childhood. However, the disease has the potential to progress rapidly. It is generally characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits along the innermost layer of the arteries. If the disease process progresses, plaque may form. This thickening narrows the arteries and can decrease blood flow or completely block the flow of blood to organs and other body tissues and structures.
- Blood clots. A blood vessel may be blocked by an embolus (a tiny mass of debris that moves through the bloodstream) or a thrombus (a blood clot).
- Inflammation. In general, inflammation of blood vessels is referred to as vasculitis, which includes a range of disorders. Inflammation may lead to narrowing and blockage of blood vessels.
- Inflammation. In general, inflammation of blood vessels is referred to as vasculitis, which includes a range of disorders. Inflammation may lead to narrowing and blockage of blood vessels.
- Genetic. Certain conditions of the vascular system are inherited.
When maintaining good well-being and living a healthier life style it is important to always discuss your goals and strategy with your primary doctor and dietitian.
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