The partition of fluid between the vascular and interstitial compartments is regulated by forces (hydrostatic and oncotic) operating across the microvascular walls and the surface areas of permeable structures comprising the endothelial barrier to fluid and solute exchange, as well as within the extracellular matrix and lymphatics. In addition to its role in the regulation of vascular volume, transcapillary fluid filtration also allows for continuous turnover of water bathing tissue cells, providing the medium for diffusional flux of oxygen and nutrients required for cellular metabolism and removal of metabolic byproducts. Transendothelial volume flow has also been shown to influence vascular smooth muscle tone in arterioles, hydraulic conductivity in capillaries, and neutrophil transmigration across postcapillary venules, while the flow of this filtrate through the interstitial spaces functions to modify the activities of parenchymal, resident tissue, and metastasizing tumor cells. Likewise, the flow of lymph, which is driven by capillary filtration, is important for the transport of immune and tumor cells, antigen delivery to lymph nodes, and for return of filtered fluid and extravasated proteins to the blood. Given this background, the aims of this treatise are to summarize our current understanding of the factors involved in the regulation of transcapillary fluid movement, how fluid movements across the endothelial barrier and through the interstitium and lymphatic vessels influence cell function and behavior, and the pathophysiology of edema formation. Table of Contents: Fluid Movement Across the Endothelial Barrier / The Interstitium / The Lymphatic Vasculature / Pathophysiology of Edema Formation

Blood Vessels and Lymphatics on Organ Systems provides an introduction to the general and the specific characteristics of blood vessels and lymphatics in organ systems. It offers a structured, multidisciplinary approach to the broad field of vascular science, emphasizing both established and recent concepts. These include vascular networks such as those in the pineal, parathyroids, pancreas, adrenals, adipose tissue, and special senses; and functions of vascular endothelium. The book is organized into two parts. Part One on the general properties of blood vessels and lymphatics deals with the general aspects of the arteries, veins, microcirculation, and lymphatic channels. Part Two discusses the embryologic, morphologic, physiologic, pharmacologic, pathophysiologic, and pathologic characteristics of blood and lymph circulations in each of the important organ systems. This book was written for graduate students in the areas of blood and lymph circulation and for advanced research workers or clinicians seeking sources of information on advances in cardiovascular science.

Blood Vessels and Lymphatics focuses on the embryology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, and pathology of blood vessels and lymphatics. The selection first offers information on the embryology and gross, microscopic and submicroscopic anatomy, biophysical principles and physiology, and pharmacology and biochemistry of arterial and arteriolar systems. The text then takes a look at the sympathetic innervation of arterial tree. The publication examines microcirculation and the venous system, including the structural basis of microcirculation, exchange of materials across capillary wall, pathology of microcirculation, biochemistry, and pharmacology. The book then elaborates on coronary, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal circulation, blood vessels of the pituitary and the thyroid, and disorders affecting arterial or venous circulation. The selection is a vital source of information for readers interested in the study of blood vessels and lymphatics.

The placenta is an organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall, thereby allowing nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange via the mother's blood supply. Proper vascular development in the placenta is fundamental to ensuring a healthy fetus and successful pregnancy. This book provides an up-to-date summary and synthesis of knowledge regarding placental vascular biology and discusses the relevance of this vascular bed to the functions of the human placenta.

This well-structured textbook offers essential knowledge on the vascular system. The reader will learn the properties, basic cellular mechanisms and development of the different parts of the vascular system (including the heart), gain knowledge on vascular and related diseases, and will be made familiar with common and most current methods and techniques applied to analyze the vascular system in patients, in animal models, and ex vivo. This book is based on a PhD Course for students from various bioscientific backgrounds given at the Medical University of Vienna, and it will be a valuable resource for Master ́s Students in vascular biology and biomedicine in general and a helpful tool for young researchers world-wide wishing to gain or refresh their knowledge in this field.