Studies on the Velocity of Blood Flow

The velocity at which blood flows is of considerable consequence in maintaining physiological well being. As has been pointed out in a preceding communication, it is not sufficient that an adequate amount of blood be expelled from the heart per minute; it is of primary importance that this blood be conveyed to the depots of utilization with the proper dispatch, and that it flow through the capillaries at suffi- -cient speed to allow the proper interchange between blood and tissues. It may be contended that whether an adequate volume of blood reaches the tissues through narrow arteries at a great velocity, or through large arteries at a lesser velocity is-not of primary importance. A given amount of blood ejected from the heart which might be entirely adequate if supplied through narrow vessels at a high velocity might, however, be inadequate if transported at a low velocity through wide vessels.