Preface

Chapter 1. Overview of the Cardiovascular System
Objectives
Evolution and Homeostatic Role of the Cardiovascular System
Overall Design of the Cardiovascular System
The Basic Physics of Blood Flow
Material Transport by Blood Flow
The Heart
The Vasculature
Blood
Perspectives

Chapter 2. Characteristics of Cardiac Muscle Cells
Objectives
Electrical Activity of Cardiac Muscle Cells
Mechanical Activity of the Heart
Relating Cardiac Muscle Cell Mechanics to Ventricular Function
Perspectives

Chapter 3. The Heart Pump
Objectives
Cardiac Cycle
Determinants of Cardiac Output
Influences on Stroke Volume
Summary of Determinants of Cardiac Output
Summary of Sympathetic Neural Influences on Cardiac Function
Cardiac Energetics
Perspectives

Chapter 4. Measurements of Cardiac Function
Objectives
Measurement of Mechanical Function
Measurement of Cardiac Excitation—The Electrocardiogram
Perspectives

Chapter 5. Cardiac Abnormalities
Objectives
Electrical Abnormalities and Arrhythmias
Cardiac Valve Abnormalities
Perspectives

Chapter 6. The Peripheral Vascular System
Objectives
Transcapillary Transport
Resistance and Flow in Networks of Vessels
Normal Conditions in the Peripheral Vasculature
Measurement of Arterial Pressure
Determinants of Arterial Pressure
Perspectives

Chapter 7. Vascular Control
Objectives
Vascular Smooth Muscle
Control of Arteriolar Tone
Control of Venous Tone
Summary of Primary Vascular Control Mechanisms
Vascular Control in Specific Organs
Perspectives

Chapter 8. Hemodynamic Interactions
Objectives
Key System Components
Central Venous Pressure: An Indicator of Circulatory Status
Perspectives

Chapter 9. Regulation of Arterial Pressure
Objectives
Short-Term Regulation of Arterial Pressure
Long-Term Regulation of Arterial Pressure
Perspectives

Chapter 10. Cardiovascular Responses to Physiological Stresses
Objectives
Primary Disturbances and Compensatory Responses
Effect of Respiratory Activity
Effect of Gravity
Effect of Exercise
Normal Cardiovascular Adaptations
Perspectives

Chapter 11. Cardiovascular Function in Pathological Situations
Objectives
Circulatory Shock
Cardiac Disturbances
Hypertension
Perspectives

Answers to Study Questions

Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Appendix E

Index