Structure and Function of the Circulation

In order to produce a superior scholarly treatise in bio­ medical science, three important conditions need to be met. First, the subject needs to be of recognized importance and preferably one in which a sizeable volume of new knowledge has been added recently. Second, it needs to be quite evident that the field involved re­ quires much more up-to-date coverage than it has received and third, the choice of the editors and in turn the authors needs to be recognized as outstanding. This major treatise fills these criteria in an admirable way. There are few who would deny the importance of knowledge concerning the circulatory system. This all pervasive system is the route by which virtually all of the cells and tissues of the body receive their nutrition and it is the major route by which metabolic waste products are carried away. Furthermore, the diseases that involve the circulatory system are, by far, the underlying causes of death and morbidity in the largest number of Americans, Western Europeans and several other populations of industrialized nations. Not only is atherosclerosis-induced-ischemic disease of the heart, brain and extremities widespread in these populations but venous occlusive disease also takes a great toll from phlebothrombosis, pulmonary embolism, etc.