Which structures are included in the vascular system?

The vascular system is primarily composed of the network of blood vessels that are responsible for transporting blood throughout the body. This system includes arteries, veins, and capillaries.

Arteries are responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the tissues. Veins return oxygen-poor blood back to the heart, while capillaries are small, thin-walled vessels that facilitate the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products between the blood and tissues. Together, these three components form a closed loop that is essential for maintaining proper circulation and ensuring that all body tissues receive adequate blood supply.

While options might include structures like the heart and lymphatics, they do not encompass the complete set of vessels that constitute the vascular system. The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood and is not part of the vascular vessels themselves, and lymphatics pertain to the lymphatic system, which is distinct from the vascular system.