This presentation describes various aspects of the regulation of tissue oxygenation, including the roles of the circulatory system, respiratory system, and blood, the carrier of oxygen within these components of the cardiorespiratory system. The respiratory system takes oxygen from the atmosphere and transports it by diffusion from the air in the alveoli to the blood flowing through the pulmonary capillaries. The cardiovascular system then moves the oxygenated blood from the heart to the microcirculation of the various organs by convection, where oxygen is released from hemoglobin in the red blood cells and moves to the parenchymal cells of each tissue by diffusion. Oxygen that has diffused into cells is then utilized in the mitochondria to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of all cells. The mitochondria are able to produce ATP until the oxygen tension or PO2 on the cell surface falls to a critical level of about 4–5 mm Hg. Thus, in order to meet the energetic needs of cells, it is important to maintain a continuous supply of oxygen to the mitochondria at or above the critical PO2 . In order to accomplish this desired outcome, the cardiorespiratory system, including the blood, must be capable of regulation to ensure survival of all tissues under a wide range of circumstances. The purpose of this presentation is to provide basic information about the operation and regulation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as the properties of the blood and parenchymal cells, so that a fundamental understanding of the regulation of tissue oxygenation is achieved.

This e-book will review special features of the cerebral circulation and how they contribute to the physiology of the brain. It describes structural and functional properties of the cerebral circulation that are unique to the brain, an organ with high metabolic demands and the need for tight water and ion homeostasis. Autoregulation is pronounced in the brain, with myogenic, metabolic and neurogenic mechanisms contributing to maintain relatively constant blood flow during both increases and decreases in pressure. In addition, unlike peripheral organs where the majority of vascular resistance resides in small arteries and arterioles, large extracranial and intracranial arteries contribute significantly to vascular resistance in the brain. The prominent role of large arteries in cerebrovascular resistance helps maintain blood flow and protect downstream vessels during changes in perfusion pressure. The cerebral endothelium is also unique in that its barrier properties are in some way more like epithelium than endothelium in the periphery. The cerebral endothelium, known as the blood-brain barrier, has specialized tight junctions that do not allow ions to pass freely and has very low hydraulic conductivity and transcellular transport. This special configuration modifies Starling's forces in the brain microcirculation such that ions retained in the vascular lumen oppose water movement due to hydrostatic pressure. Tight water regulation is necessary in the brain because it has limited capacity for expansion within the skull. Increased intracranial pressure due to vasogenic edema can cause severe neurologic complications and death.

Here is the first single-volume work to analyze in a comprehensive manner the mechanisms by which the human cardiovascular system adjusts to physical stresses such as exercise, heat, upright posture, and hypoxia. Emphasizing the regulation of regional blood flow and blood volume, the work delineates the unique character of the human cardiovascular system and the regulatory problems it faces. It represents a timely response to the growing interest in cardiovascular health, exercise, and physical conditioning. In describing the basic mechanisms of vasomotor control, the author focuses on the interaction between the arterial and venous systems. He indicates how control of regional circulations interacts with control of venous volume and cardiac performance, showing how vasomotor and venomotor regulation serves the entire organism. This treatment redresses an imbalance in contemporary teaching of cardiovascular physiology which has focused more on the heart than on the vasculature. The book utilizes graphics imaginatively throughout to clarify concepts in a fresh and effective way. Features: * Analytical, quantitative, and problem oriented * Uniquely comprehensive; coverage extends from small blood vessel functioning to the entire system * Imaginatively illustrated, with exceptionally clear graphics that explain basic principles and controversial ideas * Original, new ideas on how peripheral circulation influences heart performance * Probes the upper limits of human cardiovascular function, their causes and how they change

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.

Examines the parts, organization, and development of blood, including information on diseases of blood.

Designed for senior undergraduate or first-year graduate students in biomedical engineering, Biofluid Mechanics: The Human Circulation, Second Edition teaches students how fluid mechanics is applied to the study of the human circulatory system. Reflecting changes in the field since the publication of its predecessor, this second edition has been extensively revised and updated. New to the Second Edition Improved figures and additional examples More problems at the end of each chapter A chapter on the computational fluid dynamic analysis of the human circulation, which reflects the rapidly increasing use of computational simulations in research and clinical arenas Drawing on each author’s experience teaching courses on cardiovascular fluid mechanics, the book begins with introductory material on fluid and solid mechanics as well as a review of cardiovascular physiology pertinent to the topics covered in subsequent chapters. The authors then discuss fluid mechanics in the human circulation, primarily applied to blood flow at the arterial level. They also cover vascular implants and measurements in the cardiovascular system.