The circulatory system

The circulatory system carries blood around the body.

Parts

• Heart: a muscle that pumps blood. It is about the size of your fist.
• Blood vessels: tubes that carry blood.
• Arteries carry blood away from the heart.
• Veins carry blood back to the heart.
• Capillaries are tiny vessels that connect arteries and veins.
• Blood: carries oxygen, food and waste.

Pulse

Each time the heart beats, you can feel a pulse at the wrist or neck. A healthy child's heart beats about 70 to 100 times a minute at rest. Exercise makes it beat faster.

Keeping the heart healthy

• Exercise regularly.
• Eat a balanced diet with little fat and salt.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Rest enough.