1.6.24

The Double Circulatory System

Test yourself

Double Circulatory System

The human circulatory system has three key components: blood vessels, blood and the heart. It is called a double circulatory system because blood passes through the heart twice per circuit:

Illustrative background for Blood enters the heartIllustrative background for Blood enters the heart ?? "content

Blood enters the heart

  • Deoxygenated blood from the body enters the into the right atrium of the heart.
Illustrative background for Blood pumped to lungsIllustrative background for Blood pumped to lungs ?? "content

Blood pumped to lungs

  • This deoxygenated blood is pumped out of the heart and towards the lungs by the right ventricle.
Illustrative background for Lungs oxygenate the bloodIllustrative background for Lungs oxygenate the blood ?? "content

Lungs oxygenate the blood

  • At the lungs, the deoxygenated blood exchanges carbon dioxide for oxygen. This is how it becomes oxygenated (contains oxygen).
Illustrative background for Blood returns to heartIllustrative background for Blood returns to heart ?? "content

Blood returns to heart

  • Oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium of the heart.
Illustrative background for Blood pumped to the bodyIllustrative background for Blood pumped to the body ?? "content

Blood pumped to the body

  • This oxygenated blood is pumped out of the heart and to the body by the left ventricle.
Illustrative background for Blood returns to the heartIllustrative background for Blood returns to the heart ?? "content

Blood returns to the heart

  • The oxygenated blood gives its oxygen to body cells in exchange for carbon dioxide.
  • The blood becomes deoxygenated and returns to the heart.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson