Welcome to the online home of "The Gross Physiology of the Cardiovascular System," a global analysis of the mechanical function of the cardiovascular system.  This text explains fundamental but often misunderstood concepts, such as:

  • the unique hydraulic characteristics of the heart as a pump and the cardiovascular system;
  • the determinants of cardiac output;
  • the mechanism that maintains blood volume equilibrium between the systemic and pulmonary circuits; and
  • the primary contribution of the atria to circulation rate.

Distilled from decades of groundbreaking research and surgical experience by Dr. Robert M. Anderson -- a pioneer heart surgeon, biomedical inventor, award-winning professor, and former Associate Dean of the University of Arizona College of Medicine -- this book is now freely available in electronic format to medical educators, students, physicians, researchers, and other interested readers.

Use the links above to read the text online, or the links at right to download the complete book in high-quality electronic formats for printing or display on popular e-book readers.

© 2012 Estate of Robert M. Anderson, MD.  Site use is subject to these Terms & Conditions.