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Optimal systems: I. The vascular system

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Abstract

An approach to quantitative work on optimal systems is considered. Desired optimal principles are utilized in constructing a hypothetical system similar to the organ system considered. A comparison of this constructed system with the anatomical system then gives an indication of the importance of the optimal principles in the form or function of the organ system considered.

These ideas are applied to the mammalian vascular system, and limiting values are obtained for some of its important component parts. The constructed system gives good agreement with anatomical data for vessel radii, lengths, and hydrodynamic resistance to flow.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Committee on Mathematical Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, USA

    David L. Cohn

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  1. David L. Cohn
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Cohn, D.L. Optimal systems: I. The vascular system. Bulletin of Mathematical Biophysics 16, 59–74 (1954). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02481813

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02481813

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