Angiology
Angiology is the medical study of blood and lymphatic vessels, including their structure, function, and diseases.
Blood vessel: A tubular structure that transports blood through the body. Arteries, veins, and capillaries are the principal structures studied in angiology.
Systemic circulation: The circulation that carries blood between the heart and the body's tissues. It describes the route through which most vascular disorders impair organ perfusion.
Vascular surgery: The surgical specialty treating diseases of arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels. It provides procedural treatment for many conditions diagnosed through angiology.
Atherosclerosis: A disease in which lipid-rich plaques develop in the walls of arteries. It underlies many arterial blockages and cardiovascular complications.
Cardiology: The medical specialty concerned with the heart and its diseases. Cardiology centers on the heart, while angiology focuses on vessels.
Lymphatic system: A network of vessels, tissues, and organs that returns lymph to the bloodstream and supports immune defense. Its vessels form the second major subject of angiology alongside blood vessels.
Pulmonary circulation: The circulation that moves blood between the heart and lungs for gas exchange. Its vessels have distinct pressures and diseases from systemic circulation.
Interventional radiology: A medical specialty that uses image guidance to perform minimally invasive procedures. Its catheter-based treatments address vascular narrowing, blockage, and bleeding.
Peripheral artery disease: Reduced blood flow to the limbs, usually caused by atherosclerotic narrowing of arteries. It is a common manifestation of arterial disease in the legs.
Phlebology: The medical field focused on diseases of the veins. It narrows vascular medicine to venous disorders and their treatment.