Introduction

DEFINITION
Angiography refers to the radiographic examination of vessels
after injection of contrast media. Because of the relative densities
of the soft tissues of the body, contrast media must be added to
visualize the circulatory system. For example, the routine lateral skull
radiograph in Fig. 17-1 demonstrates none of the vessels of the
cranial circulatory system, whereas the lateral carotid arteriogram
in Fig. 17-2 clearly differentiates between the brain and blood
vessels. This is also true for the circulatory system of other body
regions, such as the thorax, abdomen, and upper and lower
limbs (peripheral). A good understanding of the vascular anatomy,
as covered in the first part of this chapter, is essential for performing
angiography.
DIVISIONS OR COMPONENTS OF THE CIRCUL ATORY SYSTEM
The circulatory system consists of the cardiovascular and lymphatic components. The
cardiovascular portion includes the heart,
blood, and vessels that transport the blood.
The lymphatic component of the circulatory system is composed of a clear, watery fluid called
lymph, lymphatic vessels, and
lymphatic nodes. The cardiovascular and lymphatic components
differ in their function and method of transporting their respective
fluids within the vessels.
The cardiovascular, or blood circulatory, division may be divided
further into the cardio (circulation within the heart) and vascular
(blood vessel) components. The vascular or vessel component is
divided into pulmonary (heart to lungs and back) and general, or
systemic (throughout the body). (See the summary box.)
CARDIOVASCUL AR SYSTEM
The heart is the major organ of the cardiovascular system; it functions as a pump to maintain
circulation of blood throughout the
body. The vascular component comprises a network of blood
vessels that carry blood from the heart to body tissues and back
to the heart again.
Functions  Functions of the cardiovascular system include the
following:
1. Transportation of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and chemicals
necessary for normal body activity
2. Removal of waste products through the kidneys and lungs
3. Maintenance of body temperature and water and electrolyte
balance. These functions are performed by the following blood
components: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
suspended in plasma.
Blood Components  Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are produced in the red marrow of certain
bones and transport oxygen by
the protein hemoglobin to body tissues.
White blood cells, or leukocytes, are formed in bone marrow
and lymph tissue and defend the body against infection and
disease. Platelets, also originating from bone marrow, repair tears
in blood vessel walls and promote blood clotting.
Plasma, the liquid portion of the blood, consists of 92% water
and about 7% plasma protein and salts, nutrients, and oxygen.