Comparative Physiology of the Heart

Originally published in 1927 as part of the Cambridge Comparative Physiology series, this book examines the composition and function of the heart in a range of animals, both vertebrates and invertebrates. Clark examines subjects such as how the function of the heart differs between members of the same species who are not of the same size, as well as the nervous control of the heart and the differences in heart structure between cold- and warm-blooded animals. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the history of science or cardiology.

Preface; 1. Echinodermata and vermes; 2. Hearts of arthropoda; 3. Mollusca and tunicata; 4. General physiology of hearts of cold-blooded vertebrates; 5. General physiology of hearts of warm-blooded vertebrates; 6. The properties of vertebrate heart muscle; 7. The transmission of the excitatory process; 8. The nervous control of the heart; 9. Influence of temperature on heart functions; 10. The influence of body weight on the size of the heart in warm-blooded animals; 11. The relation between circulation volume and body weight in warm-blooded animals; 12. Heart functions in cold-blooded animals and embryos; 13. The work of the heart in relation to body weight in warm-blooded animals; 14. The influence of chemical environment on the heart's activity; Appendix I. The pulse frequency and metabolic rate of various mammals and birds; Appendix II. Heart ratios and aortic cross-sections of various animals; Appendix III. Various figures for aortic cross-section; Index.