venules

The blood circulatory system, powered by the heart, delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing carbon dioxide and metabolic waste. Meanwhile, the lymphatic system acts as a complementary drainage network, collecting excess interstitial fluid and returning it to the bloodstream while simultaneously serving as a critical component of the immune system. This integrated approach to circulation showcases the body's remarkable efficiency in maintaining homeostasis and protecting against pathogens.

The cardiovascular system represents a complex network of blood vessels that transport essential nutrients, oxygen, and waste products throughout the body. This detailed illustration demonstrates the hierarchy of blood vessels, from major arteries and veins to microscopic capillaries, showing how blood circulates from the heart to tissues and back. The diagram uses color coding to distinguish between oxygen-rich (red) and oxygen-poor (blue) blood vessels.