Diagram of the Human Circulatory System (Infographic)

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Infographic: Find out all about the blood, lungs and blood vessels that make up the circulatory system.
Find out all about the blood, lungs and blood vessels that make up the circulatory system. (Image credit: Ross Toro, Livescience contributor)

The circulatory system consists of three independent systems that work together: the heart (cardiovascular), lungs (pulmonary), and arteries, veins, coronary and portal vessels (systemic). The system is responsible for the flow of blood, nutrients, oxygen and other gases, and as well as hormones to and from cells.

An average adult has 5 to 6 quarts (4.7 to 5.6 liters) of blood, which is made up of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

The systemic circulation is a major portion of the circulatory system. The network of veins, arteries and blood vessels transports oxygenated blood from the heart, delivers oxygen and nutrients to the body's cells and then returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

The system of blood vessels in the human body measure about 60,000 miles (96,560 kilometers).

Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart through the body. Veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart.

The superior vena cava carries oxygen-poor blood into the heart. The aorta carries oxygenated blood from the heart to organs and tissues.

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Ross Toro
Ross Toro
Infographics Artist
Ross Toro is a contributing infographic artist for Live Science. He specializes in explanatory graphics that deal with science topics. Ross is a former art director of the Los Angeles Times, Associated Press and United Press International. He teaches Filipino martial arts when not dabbling in cartoons and animation.