The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. The heart pumps blood through a closed system of arteries, capillaries and veins. Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart while veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Capillaries allow for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients and waste between the blood and body tissues. The circulatory system transports these materials throughout the body to sustain homeostasis.