Engineering Principles of Physiologic Function

Despite its seeming complexity the physiologic organism is basically an isobaric, isothermal, electrochemical engine which functions in space and time in accordance with fundamental principles of mass, energy, momentum, and information transport and utilization. Using this philosophy "Engineering Principles of Physiologic Function" addresses the engineering analysis of physiologic function, including control of physiologic processes. Rather than analyzing the human body organ-by-organ, or system-by-system, as is typical of most physiology or anatomy texts, this book approaches the study of physiologic function from the point of view that there is some finite set of fundamental principles that underlie all such function. The intent of the book is to identify - both qualitatively and quantitatively through closed-form mathematical solutions, techniques of dimensional analysis, analytical methods of control theory, and other engineering formulations - physical features and engineering principles that govern the behaviour of all organ systems uniformly and are the common denominators of all physiologic function.