Basic Human Anatomy

9-1. NEED FOR CIRCULATORY SYSTEMS

9-1. NEED FOR CIRCULATORY SYSTEMS

a. The need for circulatory systems is based on two criteria:

(1) Number of cells. Multicellular animals are animals with a great number of cells.

(2) Size. In larger animals, most cells are too far away from sources of food and oxygen for simple diffusion to provide sufficient amounts. Also, distances are too great for simple removal of wastes.

b. Because of these criteria, we need a system (or systems) to carry materials to all cells. To get food and oxygen to the cells and to remove waste products, we need a transport system or circulatory system. Human circulatory systems are so effective that no cell is more than two cells away from a blood capillary.

Primary Content Providers: The U. S. Army, The U.S. Navy
Ancillary Content and Online Version: David L. Heiserman
Publisher: SweetHaven Publishing Services