Chapter 48 – Cerebral Blood Flow
Abstract In the adult, cerebral blood flow (CBF) is typically 15% of the resting cardiac output (approximately 750 mL/min). CBF is commonly expressed in terms of the weight of brain…
Chapter 44 – Neuronal Structure and Function
Abstract The nervous system is a complex network of specialised cells called neurons, which coordinate and control the other organ systems. Chapter 44 Neuronal Structure and Function What are the…
Chapter 47 – Blood–Brain Barrier
Abstract The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a physiological, cellular and metabolic barrier at the level of the cerebral capillaries. Their permeability properties restrict the free movement of substances between the…
Chapter 45 – The Brain
Abstract The brain performs complex sensory, motor and higher functions, coordinating the activity of other body systems. It has a high metabolic activity, receiving 15% of the resting cardiac output,…
Chapter 46 – Cerebrospinal Fluid
Abstract Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the transcellular fluid located within the cerebral ventricles and subarachnoid space that bathes the brain and spinal cord. CSF has a number of functions. Chapter…
Chapter 42 – Exercise Physiology
Abstract Exercise is a major physiological challenge to the body, affecting all the main body systems. An accompanying increase in muscle metabolic rate results in an increase in O2 demand…
Chapter 43 – Exercise Testing
Abstract Surgery places a person’s body under physiological stress: the magnitude of the stress response is proportional to the severity of the surgical trauma. The surgical stress response increases an…
Chapter 41 – Valsalva Manoeuvre
Abstract The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forced expiration against a closed glottis. It is attributed to Antonio Valsalva (1666–1723), who described it as a test of Eustachian tube patency…
Chapter 40 – Cardiovascular Reflexes
Abstract The organs require a fairly constant mean arterial pressure (MAP) to ensure adequate perfusion. Some organs (most notably the brain, heart and kidneys), despite fluctuations in MAP, intrinsically maintain…
Chapter 29 – Cardiac Output and Its Measurement
Abstract The cardiac output (CO) is the volume of blood ejected by the left ventricle (LV) or right ventricle (RV) per minute. Chapter 29 Cardiac Output and Its Measurement Which…
