Quantifying capillary distribution in four dimensions.
Analysis of spatial distribution using numerical (O-D) distribution is limited to global estimates, while linear (1-D) separation of capillaries may be used to describe unrealistic spatial patterns. Intramuscular diffusion is best viewed as an integration of all distances between surrounding capillaries, or area (2-D) of influence for individual vessels. True planar analysis also accommodates other forms of heterogeneity, and may be extrapolated to give the volume (3-D) of tissue supplied by capillaries. Temporal (4-D) heterogeneity in functional spacing may then be quantified.
Department of Physiology, Medical School, University of Birmingham, UK
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Egginton
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Ross
D000818:Animals; D002196:Capillaries / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D008433:Mathematics; D015233:Models, Statistical; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009132:Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply*; D051381:Rats