A Mechanical Model Circulatory System

For a full, updated description of this system, refer to:
A. M. Smith (1999).  A Model Circulatory System for Use in Undergraduate Physiology Laboratories. Am. J. Physiol. 277 (Adv. Physiol. Educ. 22): S92-S99.
The following page contains:
  • Features of the model
  • A schematic diagram of the model
  • A detailed parts list for the model

    •  
    Features of the model
    Variables that can be measured:
  • Pressure 
  • Average fluid velocity 
  • Cardiac output 
    •  Factors that can be controlled:
  • Blood volume 
  • Cardiac activity 
  • Vessel constriction 
  • Vessel compliance and capacitance 
  • Number of capillary beds open 
  • Valve sufficiency 
  • Fluid viscosity 
    		•
    The current model, pictured above, has a pulmonary and systemic loop.

    Schematic: (systemic loop only)

    Equipment required to build the system :

     

    Supplier 

    Equipment 

    Quantity 
    Aquarium supply  ¾” (ID) clear vinyl tubing, heavy wall (1/8”)  5 ft.
    ½” (ID) clear vinyl tubing, heavy wall (1/8”) 10 ft.
      ½” (ID) clear vinyl tubing, thin wall (1/16”) 10 ft.
      PVC flap check valve, slip seal, 1” fitting  4
    PVC ball valve, slip seal, 1” fitting  1
      ¾” – ½” reducing connector for tubing  2
      ½” Y-connector for vinyl tubing  14
     ¾” Tee connector for tubing  1
      0.86mm (ID) teflon micro-tubing  100 ft.
      Plastic screw clamps for flow control (large)  8
      Adjustable steel tubing clamps (max. diameter 1.75”)  8
    Hardware stores  1” (ID) PVC pipe  4 ft.
    Silicone sealant
      Teflon tape 
    Miscellaneous  Parafilm laboratory film 
      Long party balloons (1’ x 1.5” - deflated, 5’ long - inflated) 3
      Punching bag balloon, pleated (6” x 2” - deflated)  1

    **Note that the suggested quantities of tubing are slightly greater than the amount actually needed.


    Last revised by Andrew Smith November 20, 2000.