Qualitative Features of a Novel Baroreceptor Model

Blood pressure regulation by the cardiovascular system is a complex physiological process. Cardiovascular modeling can offer a valuable insight often beyond the reach of experiments. In this study we provide a new mathematical model of the afferent component of the baroreflex feedback system. The model takes advantage of the so-called quasi-linear viscoelastic theory, which has been widely used to describe the nonlinear viscoelastic response of living tissue. It also uses a simple integrate-and-fire model to predict the baroreceptor response and therefore takes into account the conceptual structure of the baroreceptor. Our objective is to test our new baroreceptor model for its ability to reproduce experimental data qualitatively and demonstrate known pressure-response relationships. We also highlight that the model can be coupled with an existing model of the efferent pathways, eventually predicting heart rate.