Cardiovascular system
C- Circulation
What is circulation?
The movement of blood through the blood vessels of the body induced by the pumping
action of the heart.
Circulation compromises the heart (cardiovascular), blood vessels (systemic) and lungs
(pulmonary).
What are the functions of circulation?
- Transportation of nutrients and hormones
- Movement of respiratory gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide)
- Regulation and movement of metabolic products
- Removal of waste products
- Protection of the body by white blood cells, antibodies, and complement proteins.
Basic anatomy of the heart:
- Two sides: left and right – both sides work together
- Blood flows from right (deoxygenated) to left (oxygenated) in a cycle which allows
the transfer of oxygen for carbon dioxide in the systemic circulation
Right Side (Pulmonary Circulation)
Blood enters under low pressure through inferior and superior VC
Empties blood into the right atrium of the heart
As the atrium contracts, blood flows from the right atrium, through the tricuspid valve and
into the right ventricle
When the ventricle is full the tricuspid valve shuts and blood is prevented from flowing
backwards
As the right ventricle contracts blood leaves the heart and is pumped into the pulmonary
artery (through the pulmonary semilunar valve)
Gas exchange
Then we pick up with left-sided blood flow
, - Once gas exchange has occurred the pulmonary veins empty rich, now oxygenated
blood into the left atrium
- The atrium contracts and blood flows through the bicuspid valve and into the left
ventricle
- When the ventricle is full the bicuspid valve shuts to prevent backflow
- Blood leaves the ventricle through the aortic valve, through the aorta itself and into
the body where it perfuses organs.
Blood flows from right (deoxygenated) to left (oxygenated) in a cycle which allows the
transfer of oxygen for carbon dioxide in the systemic circulation
A to E assessment:
A- Airways
B- Breathing
C- Circulation
D- Disability
E- Exposure
What is A to E?
The ABCDE approach is the most recognised tool for rapid patient assessment, it allows us
to recognise life-threatening conditions early and provides a systematic method that focuses
on identifying problems and implementing critical interventions in a timely matter.
When do we use A to E assessment?
- A to E assessment is suitable for all age groups.
- As long as we know what’s normal, we can access and act on the abnormal.
- A to E assessment is quick and most of it can be done without any equipment.
C- Circulation Structures:
C- Circulation
What is circulation?
The movement of blood through the blood vessels of the body induced by the pumping
action of the heart.
Circulation compromises the heart (cardiovascular), blood vessels (systemic) and lungs
(pulmonary).
What are the functions of circulation?
- Transportation of nutrients and hormones
- Movement of respiratory gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide)
- Regulation and movement of metabolic products
- Removal of waste products
- Protection of the body by white blood cells, antibodies, and complement proteins.
Basic anatomy of the heart:
- Two sides: left and right – both sides work together
- Blood flows from right (deoxygenated) to left (oxygenated) in a cycle which allows
the transfer of oxygen for carbon dioxide in the systemic circulation
Right Side (Pulmonary Circulation)
Blood enters under low pressure through inferior and superior VC
Empties blood into the right atrium of the heart
As the atrium contracts, blood flows from the right atrium, through the tricuspid valve and
into the right ventricle
When the ventricle is full the tricuspid valve shuts and blood is prevented from flowing
backwards
As the right ventricle contracts blood leaves the heart and is pumped into the pulmonary
artery (through the pulmonary semilunar valve)
Gas exchange
Then we pick up with left-sided blood flow
, - Once gas exchange has occurred the pulmonary veins empty rich, now oxygenated
blood into the left atrium
- The atrium contracts and blood flows through the bicuspid valve and into the left
ventricle
- When the ventricle is full the bicuspid valve shuts to prevent backflow
- Blood leaves the ventricle through the aortic valve, through the aorta itself and into
the body where it perfuses organs.
Blood flows from right (deoxygenated) to left (oxygenated) in a cycle which allows the
transfer of oxygen for carbon dioxide in the systemic circulation
A to E assessment:
A- Airways
B- Breathing
C- Circulation
D- Disability
E- Exposure
What is A to E?
The ABCDE approach is the most recognised tool for rapid patient assessment, it allows us
to recognise life-threatening conditions early and provides a systematic method that focuses
on identifying problems and implementing critical interventions in a timely matter.
When do we use A to E assessment?
- A to E assessment is suitable for all age groups.
- As long as we know what’s normal, we can access and act on the abnormal.
- A to E assessment is quick and most of it can be done without any equipment.
C- Circulation Structures:
