A mathematical physiological model of the dynamics of pulmonary ventilation

This paper presents a stratified physiological model of the respiratory mechanics during dynamic conditions. The model combines existing models of the static lung compliance and dynamic airway resistance and viscoelastic properties of the lungs. The static model includes aspects of pressures due to: airway resistance; chest wall; surface tension determined by surfactant activity; lung tissue elasticity; and hydrostatic effects of lung tissue and blood. The model is identified and validated against experimentally measured dynamic flow, pressure and volume profiles. The model simulates well the amount of static hysteresis and static compliance observed in healthy subjects. The presented model is the first to simulate ventilation at the alveolar level including all of the above mentioned components of the respiratory system.