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A model describing the response of the circulatory system to acceleration stress

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Abstract

A mathematical model of the circulatory system based on the principles of venous return is described and applied to the condition of acceleration stress. The model consists of two single compartments representing the pulmonary and systemic portions of the circulatory system. During periods of acceleration stress the pressure in the systemic compartment, which is the upstream driving pressure for venous return, is decreased relative to the pressure at the right atrium due solely to hydrostatic effects. This decreased driving pressure causes a diminished venous return which is reflected in reduced cardiac output and arterial pressure without any changes in arterial resistance. Pressures at other points in the arterial tree, e.g., at eye-level, are related to the arterial pressure at the aortic root by hydrostatic effects.

These concepts are incorporated into equations which are used in an analog computer simulation, the results of which are shown both for a passive system and an active or controlled system. The latter responds to changes in arterial pressure by altering the driving pressure for venous return by means of a change in systemic compliance. The results of this study are compared to experimental tracings obtained from dogs undergoing acceleration stress and discussed in relation to their implications for blood volume shifts and human responses.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, University of California, 95616, Davis, California

    Jerry F. Green & Nicholas C. Miller

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  1. Jerry F. Green
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  2. Nicholas C. Miller
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This work partially funded by Air Force Contract F44620-72-C-0011.

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Green, J.F., Miller, N.C. A model describing the response of the circulatory system to acceleration stress. Annals of Biomedical Engineering 1, 455–467 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02367269

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