Blood is moved through the vascular system by

A) valves in the wall of the blood vessels.
B) peristalsis caused by smooth muscle in the blood vessel walls.
C) pressure gradients created by the heart.
D) osmotic pressure.
E) viscosity of the blood.

Pressure Gradients

The difference in pressure between two points in a fluid or gas, driving the movement of the fluid from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.

Vascular System

The network of blood vessels in the body, including arteries, veins, and capillaries, which circulate blood.

Peristalsis

The wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.