PCB 4723C Lecture Notes - Pulmonary Circulation, Pressure Measurement, Hydrostatics

• School: University of Florida
• Department: Agronomy
• Course: PCB 4723C
• Professor: chu

Document Summary

Proteins account for 7% of the weight and 1% is dissolved organic molecules, trace elements and vitamins, and dissolved oxygen and co2. Plasma is identical in composition to interstitial fluid except for the presence of plasma proteins. Albumin is the most prevalent type of protein in the plasma (60%) Cellular elements of blood include rbcs, wbcs, and platelets. The primary role of the circulatory system is the distribution of dissolved gases and other molecules for nutrition, growth, and repair. Secondary roles have also evolved, including fast chemical signaling, dissipation of heat by delivery of heat from the core to the surface of the body, and mediation of inflammatory and host defense responses. Blood flow is driven by a constant pressure head across a variable resistance. To keep things simple, first think of the left side of the heart as a constant pressure generator that maintains a steady mean arterial pressure at its exit, the aorta.