| Abstract: | A criterion of optimal structure of the arterial network of a skeletal muscle is suggested, namely minimization of its hydraulic resistance during intensive work. By the use of this criterion the ratio between the mean diameter of the vessels of different orders of branching can be determined. Equations were obtained showing dependence of the hydraulic resistance, volume, and pressure in vessels of different caliber on the order of branching. Rough quantitative estimates of the possible increase in blood flow in an intensively working muscle compared with the same muscle at rest are given.Department of Physics of Living Systems, Moscows Physicotechnical Institute. Laboratory of Biophysics and Pathophysiology of the Circulation, Institute of General Pathology and Pathological Physiology, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR A. M. Chernukh.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 86, No. 9, pp. 259–262, September, 1978. |
