Systemic circuit

Definition

The systemic circuit is the part of the cardiovascular system responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all parts of the body and returning oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. It works in contrast to the pulmonary circuit, which exchanges carbon dioxide for oxygen in the lungs.

Related terms

Pulmonary Circuit: The portion of the cardiovascular system which carries oxygen-poor blood from the heart to the lungs and returns oxygen-rich blood back to the heart.

Oxygenated Blood: Blood that has been enriched with oxygen in the lungs and is being transported by arteries to body cells.

Deoxygenated Blood: Blood carrying carbon dioxide and other waste products away from body cells, returning to the heart via veins