Objective: Name the main blood vessels to and from the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.
This section focuses on the circulatory system in humans, specifically the major blood vessels that facilitate the transport of blood to and from vital organs. Understanding these pathways is crucial for comprehending how the body delivers oxygen and nutrients and removes waste products.
Blood Vessels to and from the Heart
The heart is the central pump of the circulatory system. Blood vessels connect the heart to the rest of the body.
Superior Vena Cava: Carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body (head, neck, arms) to the right atrium of the heart.
Inferior Vena Cava: Carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body (legs, abdomen, pelvis) to the right atrium of the heart.
Pulmonary Artery: Carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs. It branches into the left and right pulmonary arteries.
Pulmonary Veins: Carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart. There are four pulmonary veins (two from each lung).
Blood Vessels to and from the Lungs
The lungs are where gas exchange occurs. Blood vessels facilitate the delivery of deoxygenated blood to the lungs and the return of oxygenated blood to the heart.
Blood Vessel
Direction of Blood Flow
Type of Vessel
Pulmonary Artery
From the heart to the lungs
Artery
Pulmonary Vein
From the lungs to the heart
Vein
Blood Vessels to and from the Liver
The liver receives blood from the digestive system and returns blood to the heart.
Hepatic Artery: Carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the liver.
Hepatic Vein: Carries blood containing absorbed nutrients and waste products from the liver back to the heart.
Blood Vessels to and from the Kidneys
The kidneys filter blood and produce urine. Blood vessels are essential for bringing blood to the kidneys and returning filtered blood to the heart.
Renal Artery: Carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the kidneys.
Renal Vein: Carries filtered blood from the kidneys back to the heart.
Suggested diagram: A diagram showing the major blood vessels to and from the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. The diagram should clearly label the superior and inferior vena cava, pulmonary artery and veins, hepatic artery and vein, and renal artery and vein.