Applied Mathematical Models in Human Physiology

This book introduces mathematicians to real applications from physiology. Using mathematics to analyze physiological systems, the authors discuss models reflecting current research in cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology. In particular, they present models describing blood flow in the heart and the cardiovascular system, as well as the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide through the respiratory system and a model for baroreceptor regulation. This is the only book available that analyzes up-to-date models of the physiological system at several levels of detail; both simple 'real-time' models that can be directly used in larger systems, and more detailed 'reference' models that show the underlying physiological mechanisms and provide parameters for and validation of simpler models. The book also covers two-dimensional modeling of the fluid dynamics in the heart and its ability to pump, and includes a discussion of modeling wave-propagation throughout the systemic arteries.