and the effect of this motion on the equilibration
of gases in the capillary were discussed. In bolus flow (i.e. red cells in single file)
the velocity distribution in the plasma is not parabolic, so that it cannot be assumed
a priori that Poiseuille's law is at all applicable. In addition to the resistance to flow
associated with the trapped plasma there will be 'friction' between the walls of
the red cells and the endothelial lining of the capillary. A third possible contribution
to resistance to flow exists if the contents of the red cell are set in motion in bolus
flow. Finally, energy is required to deform the discoid red cell in order that it may
enter a capillary of smaller diameter. This last factor is the subject of the final paper
(2) in the series.
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