Microcirculation and hemorheology

We review major experimental and theoretical studies on microcirculation and hemorheology, focusing on mechanics of blood flow and the vascular wall. We discuss flow of the blood formed elements [red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells or leukocytes (WBCs) and platelets] in individual arterioles, capillaries, and venules, and in microvascular networks. We also review mechanical and rheological properties of the formed elements and their interactions with the vascular wall. We discuss short-term and long-term regulation of the microvasculature; the modes of regulation include metabolic, myogenic, and shear-stress-dependent mechanisms as well as vascular adaptation such as angiogenesis and vascular remodeling.