Hydrodynamic Model of A 3-Compartment Catenary System with Exchanging End Compartments

Abstract

The pregnant human organism is regarded as a multi-compartment system consisting of amniotic fluid, maternal-, and fetal body water. In the living organism only 2 of these, maternal system and amniotic fluid, are accessible for study. All 3 compartments exchange water with each other at various rates; they constitute a catenary system in which the end compartments exchange. Mathematical basis for such a system is presented in order to demonstrate how "time activity" curves can be used to calculate transfer rates. Time activity curves obtained with a hydro-dynamic model demonstrate the correctness of the theoretic treatment. Information on the behavior of the inaccessible compartment (fetus) is given__.