CIRCULATORY COMPONENTS

Blood flows throughout the body via three distinct types of vessels

ONE-WAY CIRCUIT

Blood relies on a set of vessels to escort it outwards from the heart and another set to return it, ensuring that blood never needs to flow backwards through the vessels.

ARTERIES

Oxygenated blood flows outwards from the heart through arteries. These vessels have thick walls that allow them to withstand higher blood pressure.

VEINS

Deoxygenated blood returns to the heart through veins. These vessels have thinner walls and use valves to ensure blood only flows in one direction.

CAPILLARIES

Arteries and veins are connected via capillaries. These networks of tiny blood vessels weave through every tissue, where blood releases nutrients and collects waste materials.