Dynamics of the Vascular System

This book begins with the historical discoveries of the features ofthe vascular system and its importance in the overall circulatoryfunction. Modern aspects of vascular biology in terms of structure andfunction are then described, followed by the introduction of physicalprinciples and basic fluid mechanics for quantitative analysis. Thehemodynamics of large arteries, the optimal structure of vascularbranching and the pulsatile energy transmission and modeling aspectsare elaborated. These are extended to analyze the function of thevenous system and the microcirculation. Finally, the integratedvascular system and its response and adaptation to diseasedconditions, such as aging, stenosis, hypertension, myocardialischemia, atheroslerosis and stroke are explained. The overallemphasis is on the dynamic nature of the vascular system.