In this paper, we review the literature on flow frictional and heat transfer characteristics of single-phase liquid flows through microchannels. The work accentuates the existing discord between experimental observations of microscale transport process characteristics and the corresponding theoretical predictions on the basis of the classical paradigms. The role of microscale effects in inducing such disparity between experimental and theoretical frameworks, as indicated by various researchers, is critically discussed. Theoretical models and empirical correlations, proposed in the literature, for comprehending microscale flow and thermal characteristics are also highlighted for ready reference. In closure, aspects of microscale liquid flow and heat transfer requiring further scrutiny are identified, and possible future research directions are prescribed. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.