blood flow

anatomy

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Circulation is the continuous movement of blood throughout the body, driven by the heart. This process is vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells and removing waste products like carbon dioxide.12

There are two main circulatory routes:
* Pulmonary circulation: This circuit carries blood between the heart and the lungs for gas exchange.3
* Systemic circulation: This circuit delivers oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body's tissues and returns deoxygenated blood to the heart.4

Factors like blood pressure, exercise, and disease can affect circulation. The vascular system, composed of arteries, veins, and microscopic capillaries, facilitates this essential transport.15

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