Nutrient Transport in Human Organ Systems

Oct 7, 2024

Transporting Nutrients in Human Organ Systems

Overview

  • Focus on two organ systems: Respiratory and Circulatory.

Respiratory System

  • Also known as the Human Breathing System.
  • Responsible for:
    • Taking in oxygen
    • Expelling carbon dioxide

Parts of the Respiratory System

  1. Nose and Mouth: Entrance for oxygen.
  2. Nasal Cavity: Warms, humidifies, and cleans the air.
  3. Pharynx: Throat.
  4. Larynx: Voice box.
  5. Trachea: Windpipe; passageway for air.
  6. Lungs: Main organs; humans have a pair (right and left).
  7. Bronchi: Branching tubes connecting trachea to lungs.
  8. Bronchioles: Hair-like tubes leading to alveoli.
  9. Alveoli: Site for gas exchange.

Breathing Process

  • Inhalation:

    • Oxygen enters the body.
    • Ribs move out, chest space increases.
    • Diaphragm contracts and moves down.

  • Exhalation:

    • Carbon dioxide exits the body.
    • Ribs move in, chest space decreases.
    • Diaphragm relaxes and moves up.

Circulatory System

  • Also known as the Cardiovascular System.
  • Functions to deliver nutrients and materials to cells.

Major Parts of the Circulatory System

  1. Heart: Pumps blood throughout the body; main organ.
  2. Blood Vessels: Carries blood; includes:
    • Arteries: Carry blood away from the heart.
    • Veins: Carry blood towards the heart.
    • Capillaries: Smallest vessels; site for gas and nutrient exchange.
  3. Blood: Carries materials throughout the body.

Heart Structure

  • Heart size: About the size of a fist.
  • Four Chambers:
    • Atria (2): Receiving chambers (right and left).
    • Ventricles (2): Pumping chambers (right and left).
  • Valves: Prevent backward flow of blood (one-way doors).

Blood Flow Process

  1. Oxygen-poor blood enters through superior/inferior vena cava.
  2. Blood is received by right atrium, passes through tricuspid valve to right ventricle.
  3. Blood exits to lungs via pulmonary artery to get oxygen.
  4. Oxygen-rich blood returns via pulmonary vein to left atrium.
  5. Blood passes through bicuspid valve to left ventricle.
  6. Exits to body through aorta.

Interaction of Circulatory and Respiratory Systems

  • Oxygen enters lungs, then moves to the heart and into the bloodstream.
  • Heart pumps blood, transporting oxygen and nutrients to cells.
  • Cells use oxygen to process nutrients, producing carbon dioxide as a waste.
  • Blood carries carbon dioxide back to the right heart for exhalation.

Types of Circulation

  1. Pulmonary Circulation: Blood movement from heart to lungs and back.
  2. Coronary Circulation: Blood movement through the tissues of the heart.
  3. Systemic Circulation: Blood movement from heart to the rest of the body, excluding lungs.

Conclusion

  • Importance of both systems in nutrient transport and waste removal.
  • Encouragement to ask questions and engage in learning.