This book is devoted to the pathophysiology of the microcirculation, an intensely studied area of the circulatory system. Featuring contributions from 29 top investigators in the field, the book begins with an introduction to the general structure of the normal microvascular system, with special emphasis on the characteristics of blood vessel segments collectively comprising the system. Significant areas covered in the book include angiogenesis, neoplasias, hypertension, shock, ischemia/reperfusion, diabetes, immunologic injury, and thermal injury. It also covers the effects of aging and environmental factors on the microcirculation-topics not often examined in depth. More than 80 figures and tables illustrate key concepts throughout the book.