You are here:

Nutrient exchange

Nutrient exchange is a continuous cycle, constantly supplying the body with oxygen and nutrients while removing carbon dioxide and metabolic waste.

Red blood cells are the cells in the blood that carry oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues through blood pumped by the heart. As they travel away from the heart, they traverse smaller and smaller arteries, finally arriving at the collections of microscopic blood vessels called capillaries.

Capillaries contain a high concentration of oxygen and nutrients, while the surrounding tissues contain a lower concentration. Through a process called diffusion, these particles leave the capillaries and enter the body’s tissues.

Conversely, the body’s tissues contain high concentrations of carbon dioxide and metabolic waste, while the capillaries contain a lower concentration. Waste products diffuse from the tissues into the capillaries and from there are carried by the venous system back toward the heart.

The waste products are eventually eliminated from the bloodstream by the liver, kidneys, and lungs.

Disclaimers

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
Call 911 for all medical emergencies.
Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).