Sir Frederick Smith Memorial Lecture. A superb transport system--the circulation

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Physiology
• Equine Circulatory System

Background:

• Understanding equine circulatory physiology is crucial for animal health and performance.
• Specific parameters of blood volume and flow dynamics in horses require detailed examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate key aspects of circulatory physiology in horses.
• To provide parameters for total blood volume, cardiac output, stroke volume, and blood distribution.
• To describe the circulatory pathway, including fetal circulation and thoracic influences.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive analysis of the equine circulatory system.
• Review of physiological parameters including blood volume and cardiac output.
• Explanation of blood flow through pulmonary and peripheral circulation.

Main Results:

• Detailed parameters for total blood volume, cardiac output, and stroke volume are presented.
• The distribution of blood between pulmonary and peripheral circulation is outlined.
• The role of the thorax and muscle pumping in venous return is discussed.

Conclusions:

• The paper provides a comprehensive overview of equine circulatory physiology.
• Key parameters for understanding blood flow dynamics in horses are established.
• The findings contribute to the knowledge of equine cardiovascular function.