RT Book, Section
A1 Barrett, Kim E.
A1 Barman, Susan M.
A1 Boitano, Scott
A1 Reckelhoff, Jane F.
SR Print(0)
ID 1142557293
T1 Cardiovascular Physiology: Introduction
T2 Ganong's Medical Physiology Examination & Board Review
YR 2017
FD 2017
PB McGraw-Hill Education
PP New York, NY
SN 9780071832328
LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1142557293
RD 2024/04/24
AB Cells  exist  within  a  body  fluid  compartment  known  as  the  interstitial  fluid,  and  the  cardiovascular  system  has  evolved  to  ensure  that  the  composition  of  the  interstitial  fluid  is  maintained  within  a  narrow  range.  Homeostasis  is  accomplished  by  pumping  a  separate  fluid  compartment—plasma—around  the  body,  where  it  can  be  “conditioned”  as  it  passes  through  specific  organs  that  add  nutrients,  oxygen,  hormones  and  needed  metabolites,  and/or  remove  waste  products.  The  plasma  then  delivers  needed  substances  to  other  organs  and  tissues.  Efficient  transfer  of  substances  between  the  cells  and  the  plasma  is  accomplished  by  dense  networks  of  capillaries,  which  offer  little  resistance  to  the  transfer  of  substances  across  their  walls,  and  provide  for  short  diffusion  distances  between  the  capillaries  and  the  sites  at  which  products  will  be  utilized.  The  pumping  function  in  this  system  is  provided  by  the  heart,  a  four-chambered  organ  that  drives  blood  around  two  circuits  in  series,  one  that  perfuses  the  lungs  and  one  that  serves  the  remainder  of  the  body.