Question
What are the primary functions of the newborn circulatory system?
Answer
The body’s circulatory system is responsible for distributing nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, and collecting waste products to be excreted outside. As blood leaves the heart, it carries nutrients and oxygen, and as it returns to the heart, it carries carbon dioxide and other waste products to be transported to excretory organs for elimination. In adults, the total blood volume is approximately 8% of body weight, distributing oxygen, food, nutrients, and hormones throughout the body while transporting waste products generated by metabolism to excretory organs.