Orthostatis and the kidney.

• Main Author: Henry, James. P.
• Other Authors: Rose, B. (Supervisor)
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: McGill University 1955
• Subjects: Experimental Medicine.
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=109979

Orthostasis, which involves changing from the recumbent to the upright posture, brings the considerable force of gravity to bear on the vascular bed. In man, the distance from the thorax to the mid thigh is approximately 90 cms. Thus a pressure head of 90 cms water develops in the thigh veins which, in recumbency, are distended by a pressure of, at most, 20 cms water. The thighs and buttocks can accomodate very considerable amounts of blood at such pressures.