Basic Circulatory System Terms

Front

artery

Back

A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to various parts of the body.

Front

vein

Back

A blood vessel that carries blood towards the heart from various parts of the body.

Front

capillary

Back

The smallest blood vessels where the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste occurs between blood and tissues.

Front

heart

Back

A muscular organ that pumps blood through the circulatory system by rhythmic contraction and dilation.

Front

circulatory system

Back

The system responsible for the circulation of blood and transport of nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and hormones throughout the body.