The human cardiovascular and respiratory control systems represent an important focal point for developing physiological control theory because of the complexity of the control mechanisms involved, the interaction between cardiovascular and respiratory func¬tion, and the importance of this interaction in many clinical situations. This volume brings together the range of control processes involved in the effective regulation of these systems and develops modeling themes, strategies, and key clinical applications using contemporary mathematical and control methodologies. The reader will gain an appreciation of how analytical techniques and ideas from optimal control theory, systems theory, and numerical analysis can be utilized to better understand the regulation processes in human cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems uses a principle-based modeling approach and analysis of feedback control regulation to elucidate the physiological relationships. Models are arranged around specific questions or conditions, such as exercise or sleep transition, and are generally based on physiological mechanisms rather than on formal descriptions of input-output behavior. The authors ask open questions relevant to medical and clinical applications and clarify underlying themes of physiological control organization. Current problems, key issues, developing trends, and unresolved questions are highlighted.