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General Features of the Cardiovascular System

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Handbook of Cardiac Anatomy, Physiology, and Devices

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Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a general overview of the cardiovascular system, to serve as a quick reference on the underlying physiological composition of this system. The rapid transport of molecules over long distances between internal cells, the body surface, and/or various specialized tissues and organs is the primary function of the cardiovascular system. This body-wide transport system is composed of several major components: blood, blood vessels, the heart, and the lymphatic system. When functioning normally, this system adequately provides for the wide-ranging activities that a human can accomplish. Failure in any of these components can lead to grave consequence. Subsequent chapters will cover, in greater detail, the anatomical, physiological, and/or pathophysiological features of the cardiovascular system.

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General References and Suggested Reading

  • Alexander RW, Schlant RC, Fuster V, eds. Hurst’s the heart, arteries and veins. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1998.

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  • http://www.vhlab.umn.edu/atlas

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, B172 Mayo, MMC 195, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA

    Paul A. Iaizzo

Authors
  1. Paul A. Iaizzo
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Correspondence to Paul A. Iaizzo .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Surgery, University of Minnesota, Delaware St. SE., 420, Minneapolis, 55455, U.S.A.

    Paul A. Iaizzo

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© 2009 Humana Press, a part of Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

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Iaizzo, P.A. (2009). General Features of the Cardiovascular System. In: Iaizzo, P. (eds) Handbook of Cardiac Anatomy, Physiology, and Devices. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-372-5_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-372-5_1

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-60327-371-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-60327-372-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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