Hearts and Heart-Like Organs, Volume 2: Physiology provides anatomical and physiological perspectives of the heart from invertebrates to humans. This book deals with the physiology of the heart, its evolution, and the effects of hormones, stress, exercise, hypoxia, bed rest, and the control of the coronary system. Organized into 11 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the effects of hormones on the heart and the diversity of types of humoral agents that influence cardiac function. This text then examines the precursors in prostaglandin biosynthesis. Other chapters consider the synthesis of thyroid hormone that occurs within the follicles of the thyroid gland and proceeds through a series of steps. This book discusses as well the concepts of cardiac function, including the neural control of the heart and biochemical mechanisms of adrenergic and cholinergic regulation of myocardial contractility. The final chapter deals with the various factors of coronary resistance. This book is a valuable resource for cardiologists and physiologists.