Chapter 36 – Capillaries and Endothelium
Abstract The capillaries are tiny vessels (measuring 5–10 μm in diameter) arranged in an interweaving network called the capillary bed. Capillaries have two main roles. Chapter 36 Capillaries and Endothelium…
Chapter 38 – Venous Pressure Waveforms
Abstract The central venous pressure (CVP) waveform is measured using a central venous catheter positioned just above the right atrium (RA), within the superior vena cava. Starting from mid-diastole, key…
Chapter 37 – Venous System
Abstract Transport of deoxygenated blood from the capillaries to the right side of the heart, which is the main role of the venous system. There are a few exceptions to…
Chapter 33 – Systemic Circulation
Abstract The cardiovascular system distributes blood around the body. It is divided into the pulmonary circulation and the systemic circulation. The systemic circulation is a ‘pressure-constant, flow-variable’ system. Chapter 33…
Chapter 30 – Starling’s Law and Cardiac Dysfunction
Abstract The Frank–Starling law (also known as Starling’s law of the heart) states that the strength of ventricular contraction is dependent on the length of the resting fibres. In other…
Chapter 32 – Cardiac Ischaemia
Abstract The oxygen extraction ratio (OER) is the ratio of oxygen consumption, V̇O2, to oxygen delivery, ḊO2 (see Chapter 17). At around 60%, the OER of the heart is near…
Chapter 28 – Cardiac Cycle
Abstract The cardiac cycle refers to the complete sequence of physiological events that occur in the heart, from the beginning of one heartbeat to the beginning of the next. Chapter…
Chapter 27 – Cardiac Anatomy and Function
Abstract The right side of the heart generates flow around the pulmonary circulation, moving deoxygenated venous blood from the heart to the lungs. Chapter 27 Cardiac Anatomy and Function What…
Chapter 23 – Pulmonary Circulation
Abstract The pulmonary circulation differs significantly in characteristics from the systemic circulation. The pulmonary circulation is a low-pressure, low-resistance, high-flow circulation: a blood flow of 5 L/min (i.e. 100% of…
Chapter 21 – Work of Breathing
Abstract The work of breathing is the energy consumed by the respiratory muscles throughout the respiratory cycle. Chapter 21 Work of Breathing What is meant by the term ‘work of…
