Blood Viscosity (also known as Blood Viscosities, Viscosities, Blood): The internal resistance of the BLOOD to shear forces. The in vitro measure of whole blood viscosity is of limited clinical utility because it bears little relationship to the actual viscosity within the circulation, but an increase in the viscosity
NIH MeSH · D001809Phenomena and Processes
Blood Viscosity
Also known asBlood Viscosities · Viscosities, Blood · Viscosity, Blood
Definition
The internal resistance of the BLOOD to shear forces. The in vitro measure of whole blood viscosity is of limited clinical utility because it bears little relationship to the actual viscosity within the circulation, but an increase in the viscosity of circulating blood can contribute to morbidity in patients suffering from disorders such as SICKLE CELL ANEMIA and POLYCYTHEMIA.
MeSH classification
G09.188.370.124
G09.330.380.630.110
Need clinical context, treatments, or patient-language explanation?
The internal resistance of the BLOOD to shear forces. The in vitro measure of whole blood viscosity is of limited clinical utility because it bears little relationship to the actual viscosity within the circulation, but an increase in the viscosity of circulating blood can contribute to morbidity in patients suffering from disorders such as SICKLE CELL ANEMIA and POLYCYTHEMIA. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Blood Viscosity known by any other names?
Yes. Blood Viscosity is also referred to as Blood Viscosities, Viscosities, Blood, Viscosity, Blood in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Blood Viscosity sit in the medical classification?
Blood Viscosity falls under the broader medical category "Phenomena and Processes" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: G09.188.370.124, G09.330.380.630.110). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Blood Viscosity?
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