Circulatory System Dynamics Glossary

hemodynamics: a branch of physiology that deals with the circulation of the blood

turbulent flow: a fluid flow in which the velocity at a given point varies erratically in magnitude and direction

laminar flow: streamline flow in a viscous fluid near a solid boundary

viscosity: (1) the property of a fluid or semi-fluid that enables it to develop and maintain an amount of shearing stress dependent upon the velocity of the flow and then to offer continued resistance to flow (2) the ratio of the tangential frictional force per unit area to the velocity gradient perpendicular to the direction of flow of a liquid-- also called coefficient of viscosity

kinematics: a branch of dynamics that deals with aspects of motion apart from consideration of mass and force

flow: the motion characteristic of fluids

fluid: (1) having particles that easily move and change their relative position without a separation of the mass and that easily yields to pressure: capable of flowing; (2) a substance (as a liquid or gas) tending to flow or conform to the outline of its container

diffusion: the process whereby particles of liquids, gases, or solids intermingle as the result of their spontaneous movement caused by thermal agitation and in dissolved substances move from a region of higher to one of lower concentration

tubule: a slender elongated anatomical channel