Contribution to Human Respiratory System Modelling Using Electrical Networks

This study presents a comprehensive model of the human respiratory system using electrical circuit analogies to explore its acoustic and mechanical characteristics. The model segments the respiratory tract into uniform components, each represented by T-circuits comprising resistance, capacitance, inductance, and conductance. The study investigates the effects of structural changes, like variations in airway length and cross-sectional area, on sound signal features, including the first formant frequency and intensity. Graph theory was employed to model branching structures in the subglottic region, enhancing the model's anatomical accuracy. The study also examines sound propagation through the pulmonary parenchyma, analyzing attenuation and acceleration as functions of tissue and gas proportions. Practical applications include non-invasive respiratory monitoring and diagnosing conditions like apnea and pulmonary edema. By parameterizing the model, diverse structures of the respiratory system have been simulated. This work advances the understanding of respiratory acoustics, supporting the development of diagnostic tools for detecting and managing respiratory disorders.