Allometric algorithms and the work of the heart
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 28, 2026

An Isolated Working Heart System for Large Animal Models
Published on: June 11, 2014
1St John's College, Oxford, UK.
Abstract:
In mammals, blood velocity at the aortic root varies little with body mass, M, and so the kinetic work is a constant fraction of the total work of the heart, and also of the metabolic rate of the animal. This happens because body metabolism and the cross-sectional area of the aortic root vary to the same power of M. But if metabolism increased with M to a higher power than area, aortic velocity would increase and kinetic work would become a greater fraction of total work in a large animal. In larger animals it could exceed pressure work at rest and even more so in exercise. But there is a limit to how much an increase in aortic area can balance an increase in metabolism without the aorta becoming ridiculously large. Also aortic area should not exceed ventricular area. These factors could dictate how high the power of M is in relation to the metabolism of an animal.
Related Concept Videos
Anatomy of the Heart
Anatomy of the Heart
The heart has three layers: the innermost endocardium, the muscular myocardium, and the outer epicardium, all working together for optimal cardiac function.
Chambers of the Heart
The heart is made up of four...
Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate...
Development of the Heart
As the embryo undergoes lateral folding, these paired tubes approach each other, merging into a single primitive heart tube by...
Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...

