title: Aspects of the microcirculation.
abstract: The microcirculation is an important but little understood part of the cardiovascular system. As new techniques have been developed, more accurate information has become available concerning the changes in the microcirculation in both health and disease. A review has been made of some of the more important facets of the microcirculation of particular interest to surgeons. Reference is made to basic physiology, especially the mechanisms controlling flow in the microcirculation. The significance of changes in small blood vessels in hypovolaemic, septic, and progressive shock is also discussed, and the role of platelet aggregation in shock states is explored.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001160:Arterioles / Q000294:innervation; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000503:physiopathology; D004211:Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000098:blood supply; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010974:Platelet Aggregation; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology; D012769:Shock / Q000503:physiopathology; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D014699:Venules / Q000502:physiology