How are the cardiovascular and respiratory systems integrated?

Answer 1

The respiratory system draws oxygen into the lungs where the circulatory system exchanges waste gas (carbon dioxide) for oxygen. The respiratory system then expels the waste gas during exhalation, and the circulatory system delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body.

Answer 2

The CV and Resp systems are anatomically integrated to serve the function of gas exchange between the circulation and the atmosphere. Deoxygenated blood from the systemic circulation enters the Right heart and is pumped via the pulmonary arteries into the pulmonary microvasculature. These small vessels share a thin basement membrane with the alveoli of the lung. As a consequence the deoxygenated blood can easily release CO2 into the alveolus and pickup O2 via simple passive diffusion.

Answer 3

The cardiovascular and the respiratory system both work toward the same goal: getting oxygen to tissues and getting carbon dioxide out. The respiratory system is involved in supplying oxygen to the blood and removing carbon dioxide. When the heart receives blood that is low in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide, it pumps it to the lungs via the pulmonary arteries. When the lungs expand and get fresh air from the environment, oxygen is transferred (via the alveoli) into the low-oxygen blood, which also then sends some of its carbon dioxide back into the lungs. Now that this blood has fresh oxygen in it, it returns to the heart and the heart then pumps it throughout the body.