USE OF THE HUMAN CENTRIFUGE TO STUDY CIRCULATORY, RESPIRATORY AND NEUROLOGIC PHYSIOLOGY IN NORMAL HUMAN BEINGS AND A DESCRIPTION OF AN ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM DESIGNED TO FACILITATE THESE STUDIES.
Abstract
Study of the reactions of a system to transient reproducible degrees of stress is a useful means of elucidating the mechanisms of action of the system. Exposures to positive accelerations can be used to produce sudden decreases in arterial pressure at head level of any desired degree down to zero. Study of the reactions of the cardiovascular system induced in this manner to elucidate circulatory physiology has been only partially exploited. These same maneuvers can be used to produce temporary reproducible degrees of stagnant anoxia of the retina and brain of conscious normal human beings and hence offer a potentially fruitful field for study of the interrelationships of the level of consciousness, electrical activity of the brain and retina, arterial pressure at head level and blood flow to these areas. The hydrostatic effects of acceleration cause profound alterataons in the ventilation-perfusion ratios in the lungs which are in opposite directions in the dependent and superior portions of the thorax. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0431207
Entities
People
- A. Clark Nolan
- Earl H. Wood
- Hiram W. Marshall
- William F. Sutterer