Smith (Skidmore College) and Fernhall (U. of Illinois) explain the pumping function of the heart, blood flow through the vascular system, the structure of blood vessels and the vascular network, and the electrical signals measured by an electrocardiogram. The second half of the textbook explores how all the components of the cardiovascular system respond in an integrated fashion to aerobic and resistance exercise and to training programs, discussing the effects of exercise on cardiac function, vascular function, and hemostatic variables. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)