The Mechanics of the Circulation

This classic book outlines the anatomy and physiology of the circulation and explains the mechanical principles that govern it.

C. G. Caro (Author), T. J. Pedley (Author), R. C. Schroter (Author), W. A. Seed (Author), K. H. Parker (Assisted by)

9780521151771, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 22 December 2011

550 pages, 285 b/w illus. 15 tables
24.5 x 17.5 x 2.8 cm, 1 kg

'Here is a book on the mechanics of the circulation that is equally accessible to those trained in the life sciences and in the mechanical sciences. Furthermore, it succeeds remarkably in laying down a common foundation of mechanical, anatomical and physiological facts and principles strong enough to support the building-up of major collaborative research structures that can lead to significant new advances in the field.' James Lighthill, Journal of Fluid Mechanics

Continuing demand for this book confirms that it remains relevant over 30 years after its first publication. The fundamental explanations are largely unchanged, but in the new introduction to this second edition the authors are on hand to guide the reader through major advances of the last three decades. With an emphasis on physical explanation rather than equations, Part I clearly presents the background mechanics. The second part applies mechanical reasoning to the component parts of the circulation: blood, the heart, the systemic arteries, microcirculation, veins and the pulmonary circulation. Each section demonstrates how an understanding of basic mechanics enhances our understanding of the function of the circulation as a whole. This classic book is of value to students, researchers and practitioners in bioengineering, physiology and human and veterinary medicine, particularly those working in the cardiovascular field, and to engineers and physical scientists with multidisciplinary interests.

Preface to the second edition
Preface to the first edition
Part I. Background Mechanics: 1. Particles and continuous materials
2. Particle mechanics
3. Units
4. Basic ideas in fluid mechanics
5. Flow in pipes and around objects
6. Dimensional analysis
7. Solid mechanics and the properties of blood vessel walls
8. Oscillations and waves
9. An introduction to mass transfer
Part II. Mechanics of the Circulation: 10. Blood
11. The heart
12. The systemic arteries
13. The systemic microcirculation
14. The systemic veins
15. The pulmonary circulation
Index.

Subject Areas: Mathematical modelling [PBWH], Cardiovascular medicine [MJD]