Circulatory System
The circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system, is vital to supply nutrients to the body and remove waste through the flow of blood. The blood pumped from the heart is sent through veins, capillaries, and arteries, making up the circulatory system. The whole system is important to ensure that cells receive the essentials they need.
The Teen
Connection
Why does it matter for teens?
Understanding the structure and functions of the circulatory system helps teens stay aware, responsible, and active in managing their health. As teens grow, knowing how the heart and blood vessels function makes it easy to recognize normal versus concerning conditions. From playing sports to managing stress, a healthy circulatory system is vital to keep energy levels up and allow the body to perform at its best. Learning these basics now guides teens in building habits that protect their heart health well into adulthood.
How It Affects You
“Feel your heart race before a big game?”
“Notice your hands go cold when you’re stressed?”
“Or get dizzy when you stand up too fast?”
That’s your circulatory system in action, working to keep your body running every second of the day!
When your heart races before a big game, your circulatory system is working very hard to pump the oxygen-rich blood to your muscles so you can perform.
If you notice your hands getting cold when you’re stressed, it's because your blood vessels tighten. This slows blood flow to your skin while sending more flow towards vital organs.
If you get dizzy when you stand up too fast, blood momentarily stays in your lower body before your circulatory system pushes it back to your brain.
In these everyday moments, understanding your circulatory system helps you recognize what your body needs and how to keep it healthy.
Glossary
Veins
collects oxygen poor blood in the body and carry it back to your heart