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Architecture and Hemodynamics of Microvascular Networks

  • Chapter
Biological Flows

Abstract

The main function of the circulation is to transport materials between different parts of the body. Transport over large distances is accomplished by convection, in blood flowing through large vessels. Exchange of materials between blood and tissues occurs mainly over short distances in the peripheral vascular beds, which consist of numerous very small vessels (the microcirculation). These microvessels provide a large surface area for exchange, and bring blood into close proximity to nearly all parts of most organs. Transport at this microscopic level occurs by diffusion, by active cellular transport, or by convective motion of water through microvessel walls.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona, 85724, USA

    T. W. Secomb

  2. Dept. of Physiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, D-14195, Berlin, Germany

    A. R. Pries & P. Gaehtgens

Authors
  1. T. W. Secomb
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  2. A. R. Pries
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  3. P. Gaehtgens
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Technological University of Compiègne, Compiègne, France

    Michel Y. Jaffrin

  2. Imperial College of Science, Technology, and Medicine, London, England

    Colin G. Caro

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Secomb, T.W., Pries, A.R., Gaehtgens, P. (1995). Architecture and Hemodynamics of Microvascular Networks. In: Jaffrin, M.Y., Caro, C.G. (eds) Biological Flows. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-9471-7_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-9471-7_9

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4757-9473-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4757-9471-7

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