Mathematical Foundations and Biomechanics of the Digestive System

Connecting theory with clinical applications, this book uses mathematical models to explain and study organ biomechanics of the abdominal viscera.

Roustem N. Miftahof (Author), Hong Gil Nam (Author)

9780521116626, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 6 May 2010

240 pages, 237 b/w illus. 42 exercises
25.5 x 18 x 1.5 cm, 0.63 kg

'It provides a coherent framework for existing but fragmentary experimental and clinical observations, and it will surely lead to advances in pharmaceutical medicine, and ultimately in clinical diagnosis and therapy. … I predict that this will come to be seen as a landmark in this area of biomedicine.' David Wingate, Queen Mary University of London

Mathematical modelling of physiological systems promises to advance our understanding of complex biological phenomena and pathophysiology of diseases. In this book, the authors adopt a mathematical approach to characterize and explain the functioning of the gastrointestinal system. Using the mathematical foundations of thin shell theory, the authors patiently and comprehensively guide the reader through the fundamental theoretical concepts, via step-by-step derivations and mathematical exercises, from basic theory to complex physiological models. Applications to nonlinear problems related to the biomechanics of abdominal viscera and the theoretical limitations are discussed. Special attention is given to questions of complex geometry of organs, effects of boundary conditions on pellet propulsion, as well as to clinical conditions, e.g. functional dyspepsia, intestinal dysrhythmias and the effect of drugs to treat motility disorders. With end of chapter problems, this book is ideal for bioengineers and applied mathematicians.

Preface
Notations
Introduction
1. Geometry of the surface
2. Parameterization of shells of complex geometry
3. Nonlinear theory of thin shells
4. Continuum model of the biological tissue
5. Boundary conditions
6. Soft shells
7. Biomechanics of the stomach
8. Biomechanics of the small intestine
9. Biomechanics of the large intestine
10. Biological applications of mathematical modeling
Index.

Subject Areas: Electronic devices & materials [TJFD], Biotechnology [TCB], Biochemical engineering [TC], Applied mathematics [PBW], Biomedical engineering [MQW]