Systemic circulation

Systemic circulation is the part of the cardiovascular system that transports oxygenated blood from the left ventricle of the heart through the aorta to the rest of the body and returns deoxygenated blood to the right atrium [1, 2]. It consists of a complex network of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins that facilitate the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products [1]. In the context of drug development and pharmacology, systemic circulation is considered a physiological compartment or a medium for drug distribution rather than a specific molecular target such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter [3, 4]. While drugs are often administered into the systemic circulation (e.g., via intravenous injection) to reach their intended sites of action, the circulation itself is not the target [4]. Pathological conditions involving the systemic circulation include hypertension, atherosclerosis, and circulatory shock, which are typically managed by targeting specific molecular components within the vascular system [1, 3]. The efficiency of systemic circulation is vital for maintaining homeostasis and ensuring that therapeutic agents are delivered to target tissues at effective concentrations [4]. Monitoring parameters like blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance provides insight into the functional state of this system during therapeutic intervention [1]. Sources: [1] StatPearls, Physiology, Cardiovascular System (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532875/) [2] Wikipedia, Systemic circulation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systemic_circulation) [3] NIH, Heart and Circulatory System (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/how-heart-works) [4] Merck Manual, Drug Distribution (https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/clinical-pharmacology/pharmacokinetics/drug-distribution)

Other names

Greater circulationPeripheral circulation

Not applicable