Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department
Published on: January 29, 2011
Parameter estimation of a respiratory control model from noninvasive carbon dioxide measurements during sleep
T Aittokallio1, M Gyllenberg, O Polo
1Department of Mathematics, University of Turku, FIN-200141 Turku, Finland.
Abstract:
A new method for estimating the parameters of a human gas exchange model is presented. Sensitivity analysis is used both to inspect the relative importance of the model parameters and to speed up the par-ameter estimation process. Multistart optimization is used to compensate for the effects of partial and noisy measurements. The validity of the method is first investigated with a test problem for which par-ameter identifiability is shown. The method is then applied to the estimation of sleep-related changes in the respiratory control system from the end-tidal and transcutaneous carbon dioxide measurements on human subjects. The results show that it is possible to gain insight into the behaviour of the rather complex physiological system using only a few noninvasive measurements and tractable computations.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...
Neural Control of Respiration
Respiratory Centers in the Brainstem
Two primary areas comprise the respiratory center: the medullary respiratory center in the medulla oblongata and the pontine respiratory group in the pons. The...
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...
Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration
Central Control
The brainstem is the primary site of central control, hosting respiratory centers:
Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
Chemical Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
CO2 has a potent influence on respiration and is strictly regulated. Under...

