The Physiology of Oxygen Transport by the Cardiovascular System: Evolution of Knowledge

The heart, vascular system, and red blood cells play fundamental roles in O2 transport. The fascinating research history that led to the current understanding of the physiology of O2 transport began in ancient Egypt in 3000 BC, when it was postulated that the heart was a pump serving a system of distributing vessels. Over 4 millennia elapsed before William Harvey (1578-1657) made the revolutionary discovery of blood circulation, but it was not until the 20th century that a lucid and integrative picture of O2 transport finally emerged.
Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Special Article Source Type: research