A Mathematical Model of the Human Temperature Regulatory System - Transient Cold Exposure Response

Abstract

A mathematical model of the human temperature regulatory system which utilizes finite difference techniques and includes new anatomical and basal physiological information, with more detail than previous models, is presented. A cold stress control system which includes both a feedback signal based on head core temperature and feedforward signals based on the skin temperature and the skin heat flux is postulated. Model and direct experimental results (seven temperatures, cardiac output, metabolism, and arm blood flow) are compared for a transient cold exposure. The substantial agreement found suggests that the skin heat flux could be an important input to the temperature regulatory system.