Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The bloodstream refers to the circulating blood in the body, which transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products to various parts of the body.
Related terms
Capillaries: These are tiny blood vessels that connect arteries and veins. They allow for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the bloodstream and surrounding tissues.
Hemoglobin: It is a protein present in red blood cells that binds with oxygen molecules to carry them from the lungs to other parts of the body.
Platelets: Small cell fragments in our blood that play a crucial role in clotting and preventing excessive bleeding when we get injured.