Fractal Analysis of Organ Structure, Function and Interactions

摘要

Living organs are characterized by complex interactions of multiple control mechanisms that are splendid examples of optimization to achieve the most efficient structure and function for a number of goals by means of the most economic way. In fact, mathematical functions based on nonlinear fractal geometry can be developed to simulate them. The key concepts are high heterogeneity and the integrated relations or effects of organ structure and function. Currently more spatially and physiologically accurate technology such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) and molecular medicine (PET, SPECT) imaging is available to assess structural, functional and biochemical reactions in tissue. In the present review, we apply this technique and fractal analysis to assess normal and abnormal function of the living brain, heart and lungs.