Mathematical modelling of pulmonary gas transport

Abstract.

 Equations governing the transport of the gases oxygen and carbon dioxide inside the pulmonary capillaries are written down. By analysing these equations it is predicted that there will be negligible limitation to the transport of oxygen when oxygen concentration takes a normal physiological or higher value. For low values of oxygen concentration, there may be limitation to oxygen transport. It is predicted further that the quantity of carbon dioxide excreted from blood into alveolar gas is dependent on oxygen concentration, with low oxygen concentrations inhibiting the carbon dioxide transport process. The relatively slow reaction involving carbon dioxide in plasma also inhibits the excretion of carbon dioxide. These predictions are verified by solving the whole system of governing equations numerically.