Which of the following is NOT a major component of the cardiovascular system?

The lungs are not considered a major component of the cardiovascular system. The cardiovascular system is primarily composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

The heart serves as the pump that circulates blood, while the blood vessels (including arteries, veins, and capillaries) form a network through which blood flows. Blood itself is the fluid that carries oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.

While the lungs play a crucial role in the respiratory system by facilitating gas exchange (taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide), they are not structurally or functionally part of the cardiovascular system. Instead, they work in conjunction with the cardiovascular system to ensure that oxygen is delivered to the blood and carbon dioxide is removed from it. This distinction identifies the lungs as part of a separate but interconnected system rather than a major component of the cardiovascular framework.