The circulatory system, made up of the heart, blood vessels and blood acts to covey important materials such as oxygen and glucose to body cells through the pumping of blood by the heart through blood vessels.

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​Circulatory System

The heart is a muscle. A very powerful special muscle that pumps blood through our bodies. The heart is the size of a human fist.

Heart

• The heart is similar to a pump or two pumps in one.

• The movement of blood through the heart and around the body is called circulation.

• It takes your heart 60 seconds to pump blood to every cell in your body.

Circulatory System

• It is made up of the heart, the blood vessels, and the blood.

• This system transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste through the body.

Blood Vessels

Blood vessels transport blood to your body. There are two types of blood vessels; arteries and veins.

Why is blood so important?

• Your body needs a steady supply of blood.

• Blood carries OXYGEN. This oxygen is transported to other cells.

• To stay alive, a person needs healthy living cells.

Blood & Plasma

• Plasma - The liquid part of the blood that carries nutrients

• Red blood cells- carry oxygen, nutrients, and waste through the body.

  
  

• White blood cells - help fight infection

• Platelets - help the blood to clot.

Arteries

Arteries carry blood AWAY from the heart. A good way to remember this is that the word artery/arteries start with the letter A just like the word Away.

Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells are blood cells that carry oxygen to different parts of your body.

White Blood Cells

White blood cells fight off infections and germs. These white blood cells race to an injury and form an army to help fight the germs that may get into the body due to the injury.

Veins

Veins carry blood towards the heart.

How to keep your heart strong and healthy!!

• Remember that your heart is a muscle. If you want it to be strong, you need to exercise it. How do you do it? By being active in a way that gets you huffing and puffing, like jumping rope, dancing, or playing basketball. Try to be active every day for at least 30 minutes! An hour would be even better for your heart!

• Eat a variety of healthy foods and avoid foods high in unhealthy fats, such as saturated fats and trans fats (reading food labels can help you figure out if your favorite snacks contain these unhealthy ingredients).

• Try to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

• Avoid sugary soft drinks and fruit drinks.

• Don't smoke. It can damage the heart and blood vessels.