An understanding of venous physiology provides the surgeon with valuable information with which to formulate a diagnostic and treatment plan. Technologic advances have broadened the therapeutic armamentarium. This chapter provides the reader with a thorough overview of the physiology and…
The prompt recognition and rapid and effective surgical management of vascular trauma remain challenging despite major advances in access to care produced by trauma systems development. The risk to life and limb remains significant, and the margin for error in…
Diseases of the aorta encompasses a broad range of topics far beyond the scope of a book chapter. However, we can provide an overview of common diseases and surgical issues involving the aorta, with the caveat that both our understanding…
The heart contains four one-way valves that regulate the directional flow of blood through its chambers. Effective cardiac pumping activity is dependent on the proper functioning of these valves. The atrioventricular (mitral and tricuspid) valves close during systole to allow…
Acknowledgments We would like to acknowledge Scott Weldon and Michael DeLaflor for graphic services, and Johnny Airheart for photographic support. Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the predominant public health problem worldwide. Coronary heart disease (43.8%) is the leading cause of…
The term thorax refers to the area between the neck and abdomen enclosed by the ribs, sternum, and vertebrae radially, the thoracic inlet superiorly, and the diaphragm inferiorly. The chest or thorax supports and protects the internal thoracic organs, provides…
Splenic Anatomy The spleen is the largest lymphoid tissue mass in the body; it measures 7 to 13 cm in length and weighs up to 250 g. The spleen develops from mesenchymal cells in the dorsal mesogastrium during week 5…
Anatomy The average pancreas weighs between 75 g and 125 g and measures 10 cm to 20 cm. It lies in the retroperitoneum just anterior to the first lumbar vertebra and is anatomically divided into five sections, the head, uncinate,…
Anatomy and Physiology As anatomic variations in biliary anatomy are common, occurring in up to 30% of patients, understanding of both normal anatomy and the variations is important for the management of patients with biliary disease. Bile ducts, either intrahepatic…
Historical Perspective The surface anatomy of the liver was described as early as 2000 bc by the ancient Babylonians. Even Hippocrates understood and described the seriousness of liver injury. In 1654, Francis Glisson was the first physician to describe the…