Use the following diagram to review the flow of blood through a human cardiovascular system. Label the indicated parts, highlight the vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood, and then trace the flow of blood by numbering the circles from 1 to 10, starting with 1 in the right ventricle. (When two locations are equivalent in the pathway, such as right and left lung capillaries or capillaries of top and lower portion of the body, assign them the same number.)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the right ventricle in the diagram and label it as the starting point (1).
2. Trace the flow of blood from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries, which carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
3. Label the lung capillaries where gas exchange occurs, and oxygen-rich blood is collected.
4. Trace the flow of oxygen-rich blood from the lung capillaries to the pulmonary veins, which carry it back to the heart.
5. Label the left atrium and left ventricle, and trace the flow of blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle, then to the aorta, which distributes oxygen-rich blood to the body.

Key Concepts

Human Cardiovascular System

The human cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood, functioning to transport nutrients, oxygen, and waste products throughout the body. It is divided into two main circuits: the pulmonary circuit, which carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation, and the systemic circuit, which delivers oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.

Oxygen-Rich and Oxygen-Poor Blood

Oxygen-rich blood is typically found in the arteries, particularly the aorta and pulmonary veins, and is characterized by a high concentration of oxygen. In contrast, oxygen-poor blood, which is low in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide, is found in the veins, such as the superior and inferior vena cavae and pulmonary arteries. Understanding the distinction between these two types of blood is crucial for tracing blood flow.

Blood Flow Pathway

The pathway of blood flow through the cardiovascular system follows a specific route: starting from the right ventricle, blood is pumped to the lungs for oxygenation, then returns to the left atrium, moves to the left ventricle, and is subsequently distributed to the body. This pathway can be traced through various vessels and chambers, and understanding this sequence is essential for accurately labeling and numbering the diagram.