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Element of Physiology and Mechanics of Human Arteries

  • Chapter
Book cover Cardiovascular Fluid Mechanics

Part of the book series: International Centre for Mechanical Sciences ((CISM,volume 446))

Abstract

Some elements concerning the physiology and the corresponding mechanical properties of human arteries are introduced. The non-invasive ultrasound techniques developed to assess strain, distensibility and compliance and IMT, velocity and wall shear rate/stress distribution in arteries are introduced. Artery wall properties, and intima-media thickness (IMT) change with age and disease are discussed with the relation with artery wall function and structure and role in the genesis of atherosclerosis. In hypertension and with aging elastic arteries become stiffer (loss of distensibility and compliance), the degree of stiffening also varies along artery bifurcations and differs in elastic and muscular arteries. These variations give differences in intima-media thickness and sites of preference for atherosclerosis. Alterations in structure and composition of the arterial wall responsible for the loss of distensibility and compliance and the increase in intima-media thickness (IMT) in disease and aging. Reasons and effects are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Physiology and Biophysics, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands

    Robert S. Reneman, Arnold P. G. Hoeks & Lilian Kornet

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  1. Robert S. Reneman
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  2. Arnold P. G. Hoeks
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  3. Lilian Kornet
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Universita’ di Trieste, Italy

    Gianni Pedrizzetti

  2. Graz University of Technology, Austria

    Karl Perktold

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Reneman, R.S., Hoeks, A.P.G., Kornet, L. (2003). Element of Physiology and Mechanics of Human Arteries. In: Pedrizzetti, G., Perktold, K. (eds) Cardiovascular Fluid Mechanics. International Centre for Mechanical Sciences, vol 446. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-2542-7_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-2542-7_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Vienna

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-211-00538-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-7091-2542-7

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