Which components are part of the circulatory system?

The circulatory system is primarily responsible for the transport of blood, nutrients, gases, and waste products throughout the body. The key components of this system include the heart, which acts as the pump that drives circulation; arteries, which carry oxygenated blood away from the heart; veins, which return deoxygenated blood back to the heart; capillaries, which are the small vessels where the exchange of gases and nutrients occurs; and blood itself, which is the medium through which these elements are transported. Each of these components plays a vital role in ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach the body's tissues and that waste products are removed efficiently, thereby maintaining homeostasis. This understanding is crucial within emergency medical dispatch when assessing and managing individuals with circulatory system impairments or emergencies.