Circulatory System Review for the HESI A2
The circulatory system plays an essential role in transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body. When preparing for HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology, focus on understanding how the heart and blood vessels work together.
The Heart
The heart has four chambers:
- Right atrium
- Right ventricle
- Left atrium
- Left ventricle
The atria receive blood, while the ventricles pump blood out of the heart.
The Right Side of the Heart
The right side receives blood returning from the body. This blood is relatively low in oxygen and is sent toward the lungs for gas exchange.
The Left Side of the Heart
The left side receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and pumps it into the systemic circulation. The left ventricle has a thick muscular wall because it must generate enough pressure to pump blood throughout the body.
Blood Vessels
Three major types of blood vessels are: Arteries: generally carry blood away from the heart. Veins: generally carry blood toward the heart. Capillaries: tiny vessels where exchange between blood and surrounding tissues occurs. Remember that the terms artery and vein describe the direction of blood flow relative to the heart, not simply the amount of oxygen in the blood.
Pulmonary and Systemic Circulation
Pulmonary circulation involves movement of blood between the heart and lungs. Systemic circulation involves movement of blood between the heart and the rest of the body. Understanding these two pathways can help you follow questions about blood flow.
A Simple Study Strategy
Draw the heart and label the four chambers. Then draw arrows showing the direction of blood movement. Repeat the diagram without looking at your notes. This can help reinforce the pathway much more effectively than reading the terms repeatedly.
Final Takeaway
For HESI A2 A&P, focus on the four heart chambers, major blood vessels, pulmonary circulation, and systemic circulation. Understanding the direction of blood flow is especially important.
