Chapter 18

Cardiovascular System

18.1 Lesson 18.1: Introduction to the Cardiovascular System

Lesson Objectives

• Identify the main structures of the cardiovascular system.


• Identify three types of blood vessels.


• Describe the differences between the pulmonary and the systemic circulations.


• Identify the main structures of the lymphatic system.


• Outline how the cardiovascular and the lymphatic systems work together.

Check Your Understanding

• What is an organ system?


• What are the three types of muscles found in the human body?

Introduction

Your cardiovascular system has many jobs. It acts as a message delivery service, a pump, a
heating system, and a protector of the body against infection. Every cell in your body de-
pends on your cardiovascular system. In this chapter, you will learn how your cardiovascular
system works and how it helps to maintain homeostasis.