Modeling and measurement of the mechano-physiological function of the gastrointestinal organs

Gastroenterological research has traditionally been based on experimental approaches rather than mathematical modeling. However, the various patterns of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract functions are generated by the integrated functions of multiple tissues and cell types. Hence, a thorough study of the gut requires an understanding of the interactions between cells, tissues and GI organs in both healthy and diseased conditions.

A unique way of coping with the resulting explosion in complexity is mathematical modeling. Novel modeling analysis together with the development of medical imaging techniques and advanced medical devices can be integrated into different protocols, to aid understanding of the physiology of GI diseases and clinical decision-making in GI cases.

This review summarizes the current advanced mechano-physiological modeling analyses of the human GI organs, including imaging modeling analysis of mass transit processing and mechano-physiological modeling during organ distension.

The proposed models have the potential to shed some light on the functional understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of both healthy and diseased guts.