Book Description A good understanding of cardiovascular physiology is fundamental to understanding cardiovascular disease, exercise performances and many other aspects of human physiology. The substantially revised, updated fifth edition of this well-respected textbook offers all the information needed by students and medical examination candidates in a clear, logical and well-illustrated manner, with many useful line diagrams and tables that support the text and provide proof of concepts. The book provides a comprehensive by accessible account of this complex subject, from the fundamentals of how the cardiovascular system works in both health and disease, through to more difficult mechanisms and pathways. The Learning Objectives, Overview, and Summary Sections are helpful for checking understanding. The fifth edition has been thoroughly revised and updated and brought fully up to date, while retaining the successful approach and features of the fourth edition of this popular textbook.
Table of Contents Preface to the fourth edition A note on active and problem-based learning 1. Overview of the cardiovascular system 2. The cardiac cycle 3. The cardiac myocyte: excitation and contraction 4. Initiation and nervous control of heartbeat 5. Electrocardiography and arrhythmias 6. Control of stroke volume and cardiac output 7. Assessment of cardiac output and peripheral pulse 8. Haemodynamics: flow, pressure and resistance 9. The endothelial cell 10. The microcirculation and solute exchange 11. Circulation of fluid between plasma, interstitium and lymph 12. Vascular smooth muscle: excitation, contraction and relaxation 13. Control of blood vessels I: intrinsic control 14. Control of blood vessels II: extrinsic control 15. Specialization in individual circulations 16. Cardiovascular receptors, reflexes and central control 17. Co-ordinated cardiovascular responses 18. Cardiovascular responses in pathological situations Clinical cases for problem-based learning App. 1 Cardiovascular parameters App. 2 Biophysical parameters and physiological mechanisms Index