There is no organ more vital to the survival of a human life than the heart. The heart pumps blood through the arteries to all the various points of our body, carrying oxygen and nutrients to keep our body ticking. Without it, we'd simply be dead. It really is that clear-cut. But underneath this obvious function is a remarkable organ which is tremendously versatile and complex. In this article we'll look at the whole process of respiration and distribution of oxygen around the body.

The human body functions in constant cycles. Blood is passed through the veins, arteries and capillaries by the heart, which is at the center of the whole process. Blood enters the heart from the lungs and is forced through the body until it is filtered back to the heart which then pumps the blood to the lungs to pick up more oxygen. This oxygen is the result of breathing, and allows bodily cells to function correctly. These cells emit carbon dioxide as a by-product, which we then exhale. From this perspective, the blood could easily be likened to a transport network - the infrastructure supporting the complex operation of the human body.

Blood is comprised of two different types of cell: red blood cells and white blood cells. The red blood cells have a special concave shape which makes them ideally suited to transporting oxygen. Their wider surface area makes it easy to transport sufficient oxygen where necessary around the body. The white blood cells form a crucial part of the body's immune system and act as the first force of defense against infection and rogue cells. Whilst being transported in the blood, they identify and attack foreign cells to fight off infection and disease. By maintaining a healthy diet, we can maintain these cells in our body which are essential in preventing constant illness.

The heart, lungs, and associated networks are imperative to human survival. It's all about the distribution of oxygen and glucose to cells which need it to operate, whilst it also plays an important function in getting rid of waste gasses. Without any one of these aspects in full working order, you're going to face some problems. It is important to maintain a course of regular exercise and a healthy diet to ensure your heart is kept in the best possible condition, to preserve your body healthily for as long as possible.