What term describes the portion of the circulatory system outside of the heart and lungs?

The term that describes the portion of the circulatory system outside of the heart and lungs is systemic circulation. This system is responsible for transporting oxygenated blood from the left side of the heart to the rest of the body and returning deoxygenated blood back to the right side of the heart. It encompasses all the arteries, veins, and capillaries that facilitate this exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste throughout the various tissues and organs.

In contrast, pulmonary circulation specifically refers to the pathway of blood between the heart and the lungs, allowing for the exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen. Coronary circulation involves the flow of blood to and from the tissues of the heart itself, providing it with the necessary oxygen and nutrients. Capillary circulation, while important for the exchange process at the cellular level, is not a recognized category of circulation but rather describes the function occurring within capillaries. Thus, systemic circulation accurately captures the broader circulatory network operating outside of the heart and lungs.