Circulatoryrespiratory

Circulatoryrespiratory refers to the integrated function of the circulatory and respiratory systems in sustaining tissue oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal. It describes how the heart, blood vessels, and lungs work together to move air to the lungs, exchange gases, and transport oxygen to tissues while carrying carbon dioxide away for exhalation.

The respiratory system brings air to the alveoli where gas exchange occurs across the alveolar-capillary membrane. Oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium via the pulmonary veins and is circulated to tissues by the left ventricle. Deoxygenated blood returns to the right atrium and is pumped to the lungs by the right ventricle via the pulmonary arteries.

Regulation and integration: Autonomic nervous system input and central respiratory centers coordinate breathing with heart rate and vascular tone. Ventilation-perfusion matching optimizes gas exchange; chemoreceptors monitor O2, CO2, and pH to adjust ventilation and cardiovascular responses.

Clinical relevance: Disruptions in the circulatoryrespiratory system can cause hypoxemia or hypercapnia and affect organ function. Conditions such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and pulmonary hypertension illustrate their interdependence. Diagnostic tools include arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry, chest imaging, and spirometry; treatments may combine oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, ventilation support, and management of cardiac disease.