What components make up the circulatory system?

The components that make up the circulatory system include the heart, arteries, veins, and blood. The heart functions as the central pump that propels blood throughout the body. Arteries are responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the tissues, while veins return deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Blood serves as the medium through which nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products are transported.

This choice accurately reflects the structure and function of the circulatory system, which is critical for maintaining homeostasis in the body. The combination of these elements ensures that oxygen and nutrients are efficiently delivered to cells, while waste products are removed. Understanding this relationship helps to illustrate the importance of each component in sustaining life and supporting various biological functions.