Pulmonary circulation is very important for the circulation between the heart and lungs where high concentrated blood oxygen is restored and the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood is lowered.
Systemic circulation carries oxygenated blood from the from the left ventricle of the heart through the aorta. Oxygenated blood is then passed around the body through the various branches of the aorta and de- oxygenated blood is returned to the right atrium via the superior and inferior vena-cava.
- Describe the composition of blood and its function.
Blood is a fluid tissue in the body with the principal function of transporting substances from one part of the body to another. Blood consists of a watery solution called plasma, in which there is three types of cells: Platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells.
Plasma in detail is a pale-strawed coloured liquid, which carries just about everything, platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells. It carries digested foods like glucose and amino acids, carbon dioxide, urea, hormones, anti-bodies and anti-toxins produced by white blood cells.
The function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen to all the cells in the body. They have a flying doughnut shape to give maximum surface area for absorbing oxygen. They contain haemoglobin which is very red and which contains a lot of iron. In the lungs haemoglobin absorbs oxygen to become Oxy-haemoglobin. In body tissues the reverse happens to release oxygen to the cells. Red blood cells have no nucleus to make more room for haemoglobin.
The main role of white blood cells is to defend against disease. They have a big nucleus. They gobble up unwelcome microbes and they produce anti-bodies to fight bacteria. Anti-toxins are produced to neutralise the toxins produced by bacteria.
Platelets are small fragments of cells that have no nucleus. Their main function is to help the blood clot at a wound.
- Describe the lymphatic system. Include the structures within this system and their functions.
The structure of the lymphatic system begins in the tissues as a three-dimensional of small blind-ended tubes, the lymphatic, near the blood capillaries. The lymphatic then pass towards the centre of the body along side the arteries and veins, and join together to form the channels of ever-increasing diameter, which empty into veins of the neck.
The lymph nodes or lymph glands are swellings of lymphoid tissue containing lymphocytes. The most easily recognised groups of lymph nodes are the cervical, the auxiliary and the inguinal. When an area of the body becomes infected, the nodes draining that area may become swollen, painful and easily felt under the skin because they are responding to the infection by producing antibodies.
The spleen is the largest single collection of lymphoid tissue within the body. This lies below the ribs on the left-hand side near the stomach. The spleen differs from the lymph nodes, however because there is no direct flow of lymph through it and whereas the lymph nodes filter lymph, the spleen filters blood to remove foreign materials and worn out red cells. The thymus, which lies in the chest in front of the heart, is another important lymphocyte-producing organ, but exists only in childhood; at puberty it gradually shrinks and is replaced by fat.
The lymphatic system diagram.
- What effect does aromatherapy massage have on the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems?
Regular massage helps the body to eliminate excess fluid and toxic wastes, no matter which essences are provided. Essential oils are hypertensives, these stimulate circulation. They are hypotensives; they lower high blood pressure. Nervines these strengthen the nervous system. Tonics and astringents, These strengthen and tone the whole system.
- Describe 3 diseases or disorders of the lymphatic and cardiovascular systems and any assistance aromatherapy can give.
For most people, blood pressure problems involve high blood pressure, where the heart has to work very hard to pump blood. Not suprisingly, high blood pressure is one of the most important factors in causing heart disease. It is natural for blood pressure to rise in times of excitement and stress, smoking, a lack of exercise, too much alcohol, being over weight and a poor diet can cause it to stay permanently high.
Complimentary therapies that can help are regular massage to aid relaxation. Use soothing essential oils such as lavender, marjoram and chamomile. Adding 4-6 drops of any of these oils to your evening bath can also help relieve the day’s stresses.
The tendency to develop broken veins is inherited. Some people have veins that dilate easily, causing patches of congestion and redness under the skin. The tiny red streaks are most noticeable in areas in the face where the skin is thin, usually the cheeks and nose. Broken veins can occur at any age and in any type of skin, but they tend to get worse with age, as the capillaries become increasingly fragile.
Complimentary therapies which may help is to add 2 drops chamomile or 2 drops rose Otto, or 3 drops cypress oil, to 15g of unperfumed vitamin E cream. Apply daily.
German measles. Symptoms include a high temperature, swollen lymph nodes, a pink rash, and possibly conjunctivitis. Most well nourished children with German measles need rest, fluids, and food according to their appetite and something to bring their temperature down if necessary. German measles causes most concern in pregnant women, who should see a doctor if they have been in contact with rubella.
A complimentary therapy, which may help, is to add 2 drops of chamomile and 2 drops of lavender to 600ml of tepid water and agitate the water. Sponge the body down. This aromatic water is suitable for children over 4yrs. If you have an electric vaporiser, use the following blend as a fumigant to help prevent the spread: 4 drops tea tree, 4 drops lemon and 4 drops lavender.
Bibliography
CGP GCSE Double Science Biology. The revision guide.
Collin GEM biology Basic facts
The family medical reference book
British medical association family doctor home advisor
Aromatherapy and natural health
