ABSTRACT
In view of the anatomical and topological characteristics of microvascular networks, it is almost surprising that, normally, tissue supply is remarkably well adapted to metabolic demand. The term “microvascular networks” describes the morphological and topological basis of recognizable physiological functions or pathophysiological deviations thereof. Different tissues can be identified not only by their specific parenchymal characteristics, but also by the typical architecture of the supplying microvascular systems. A more detailed analysis of microvascular architecture is of interest only insofar as network hemodynamics and thus the hydrodynamic conditions under which blood flows through the terminal vessels are affected. As a result of the existence of architectural features, the topological characteristics of microvascular networks may differ substantially. The existence of overperfusion and underperfusion in closely neighboring tissue areas under such conditions, and the resulting enhancement of supply heterogeneity is thus a typical pathophysiological phenomenon.
