Flows and fields in biological function
| Physiological fluid dynamics involves complex interactions between time and length scales. There are interactions at the ionic and molecular scale; formed elements, such as blood cells, at meso-scales; and fluid-solid interactions at the macroscopic scale. The cardiovascular system, for example, is a complex network of vessels ranging from the microcirculation to the macrocirculation and heart. Soft tissures such as skin, muscle and cartilage have a complex molecular structure permeated by ion rich fluid and interactions between these elements at every level are important to normal physiological function. We are seeking systematic approaches to these problems that can supplement and eventually help supercede the ad hoc methods that are currently used to study particular problems in physiological flow. |
 | Scales in the Cardiovascular System
At the molecular scale, protein conformation affects the signaling and receptor function of the system and self-assembly of proteins can lead to amyloid disease. At the microscopic scale, the composition of the membranes of blood cells determine their mechanical properties and electrostatic interactions between formed elements of the blood affect its rheology. At the macroscopic scale, interactions between the blood and the elastic walls of the blood vessels and the complex network structure of the vascular tree determine perfusion. |
