Viscous

Viscous refers to a property of fluids which causes them to resist an instantaneous change in shape (or flow). In the field of medicine, understanding viscosity is crucial as it plays a significant role in the functioning of the human body, particularly in the circulatory system where the viscosity of blood is a critical factor.

Overview

Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. It describes the internal friction of a moving fluid. A fluid with large viscosity resists motion because its molecular makeup gives it a lot of internal friction. A fluid with low viscosity flows easily because its molecular makeup results in very little friction when it is in motion.

Viscosity in Medicine

In medicine, the concept of viscosity is particularly important in understanding the flow of blood in the body. Blood viscosity is determined by the friction between red and white blood cells and plasma, and it increases as the rate of shear decreases.

Blood Viscosity

Blood viscosity is a direct measure of the ability of blood to flow through the vessels. It is a critical determinant of friction against the vessel walls, the velocity of blood flow, and the pressure needed to drive the blood. High blood viscosity can lead to increased blood pressure and a higher likelihood of blood clots.

Measurement of Viscosity

Viscosity can be measured with various types of viscometer, instruments that measure the resistance of a fluid to shear or flow at different speeds. In medicine, blood viscosity is typically measured using a rotational viscometer.

See Also

• Rheology
• Hemodynamics
• Blood plasma

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