Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2026

A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans
Published on: December 22, 2016
Modelling the dynamic ventilatory response to hypoxia in humans
Abstract:
A two-component dynamic model was used to describe the ventilatory response to sustained hypoxia in humans. One component (Xs) represents the stimulating effects of hypoxia and the other component (Xd), the hypoxic ventilatory decline. The total ventilatory response to hypoxia is represented by the sum of the two components. A nonlinearity is included to account for the nonlinear steady-state ventilatory response to hypoxia. A sensitivity analysis of the model indicates that, with a step change in F(ETO2) as the input, all the parameters can be estimated from the data except for the nonlinearity. The relative sensitivity of the parameters from the model analysis was confirmed in an experimental study. However, comparing steps into hypoxia versus steps out of hypoxia we found a decrease in the gains of both components. The most likely explanation for the decrease in the gains is that the combination of Xs and Xd is not entirely additive. Other models may be required to completely describe the ventilatory response to inputs more complex than steps.
Related Concept Videos
Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation
Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
Application of Integration: Problem Solving

