An Analog Computer Model for the Study of Water and Electrolyte Flows in the Extracellular and Intracellular Fluids

A model has been designed that considers water flow as well as electrolyte flow in the two-compartment system consisting of the extracellular and intracellular fluids. The electrolyte flows are assumed to depend only on the electrolyte concentrations, and the water flow is assumed to depend on the electrolyte concentrations as well as the relative and absolute quantities of water. The intake rates are arbitrary, and the coefficients can be varied to simulate diseased conditions. So far, however, there is not sufficient information available to be sure of the normal values. The model does not claim to explain any of the mechanics of the various flows, but only to give the same effects.