The Mechanics of the Circulation

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.

Table of Contents:
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.

About the Author :
C. G. Caro, a physiologist and medical doctor, is Emeritus Professor of Physiological Mechanics and Senior Research Investigator in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London. T. J. Pedley is the recently retired G. I. Taylor Professor of Fluid Mechanics in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMPT) at the University of Cambridge. R. C. Schroter is Emeritus Professor of Biological Mechanics and Senior Research Investigator in the Bioengineering Department at Imperial College London. W. A. Seed worked for many years as a Senior Lecturer in medicine and as a clinical academic physician, with clinical and research interests in cardiopulmonary medicine. He also took a lead role in the development of a medical undergraduate curriculum for the newly-created Imperial College School of Medicine, where he still maintains an honorary teaching role.

Review :
'This splendid book is so well written that one would seriously question the vocation of an investigator who couldn't understand it. It is essential reading for anyone who is interested in the mechanics of the circulation. The normally incomprehensible mechanical laws are explained so clearly that even the non-mathematically minded will have no difficulty, which makes me very sorry that it was not available when I was grappling with these problems.' David Mendel, Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 'Like a good sculpture which leaves no chisel marks on the marble, there are no marks of individual specialization in this book. All is well integrated toward the physiology of circulation. Mathematics is avoided whenever practicable, and mechanics is presented in readily comprehensible terms … After reading the book, one would wonder how circulation physiology can be understood without such a study of mechanics. It cannot! I recommend this book to all physiology teachers and students.' Y. C. Fung, Journal of Biomechanical Engineering '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