What components make up the cardiovascular system?

The cardiovascular system is fundamentally composed of the heart, blood, and blood vessels. The heart serves as the central pump that propels blood throughout the body, allowing for the transportation of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products. Blood itself is a vital fluid that carries these essential elements, playing a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and supporting cellular functions. Blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries, form the network through which blood circulates, facilitating communication and transport across different parts of the body.

Other options might include related components or concepts associated with the functions of the cardiovascular system, but they do not accurately define its primary structural components. For instance, while the lungs are involved in oxygen exchange, they are part of the respiratory system, not the cardiovascular system. Similarly, while oxygen is essential for the blood and its functions, it is not a structural component of the cardiovascular system itself.