The Parts of the Cardiovascular system

Lab Exercise – Parts of the Cardiovascular system Your name Your Institution of Affiliation April 9, 2018 Introduction The Circulatory system or the Cardiovascular system consists of three essential parts, which are (1) the heart, (2) the blood vessels, and (3) the blood. While this system is relatively simpler in structure than what was previously discussed (i.e. endocrine system) it has one of the most significant function as it delivers oxygen, food, water, wasted, hormones and other essential nutrients throughout the whole body CITATION Taynd1 \l 1033 (Taylor, n.d.). In other words, without this system the functions of any organs (and systems as a whole) would cease to exist. In terms of its structure, the heart (“double pump”) serves as the central component that continuously keeps the flow of the blood and all other particles suspended on it within the body . This organ is mainly located in the body’s medial region, with a slight inclination to the left making two-thirds of its structure leaning slightly to the left side of the body. Connected to the heart are major arteries (e.g. aorta and pulmonary artery) and veins (e.g. superior and inferior vena cava) that move the blood away and towards the heart, respectively CITATION Col02 \l 1033 (Collins-Nakai & McLaughlin, 2002). There are also tiny vessels (called capillaries) that serves as points of exchange between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood that are usually found within the interstitial space and the lungs. Lastly, the blood that is being circulated throughout the whole body is composed of three types of cells and one non-cellular fluid, these are (1) White Blood cells (leukocytes), Red Blood cells (erythrocytes), (3) platelets, and (4) plasma. In line with this, it could be seen the interesting dynamics between these structures together with its utmost importance for life, purports the need for a closer inspection of the heart. Thus, in this lab experiment, the researchers conducted a dissection of the heart as well as major veins and arteries which are adjacent to it. Specifically, the structures, functions and the other operating mechanisms (e.g. blood flow and blood pressure) were examined in further detail and compared to one another. In order to further this understanding, the latter sections of this study would also focus on the microscopic structures of the cardiac muscle. All in all, the researcher believes that by examining the structures of the cardiovascular system with both macro and micro perspectives, a better understanding and appreciation of its functions as well as provide an overview of possible risks (i.e. heart diseases). Material List: This experiment would require materials to be brought by the researchers as well as those which are readily provided by the instructors. Both of the following list of materials are enumerated below. Table 1- Student Supplied Materials Quantity Item Description 1 Dissection apron 1 Dissection specimen – sheep heart 1 Face mask with ear loops 1 Large foam pad 1 Pair of gloves 1 Pair of safety goggles 1 Set of dissection pins (20) 1 9-piece dissection kit: 2 - Scalpels with blades 1 - Dissection scissors 1 - Straight probe 1 - Bent...