The use of equivalent electronic circuits in simulating physiological processes

This paper is a report on one of the modern approaches to teaching physiology to postgraduate medical students. The aim is to promote qualitative as well as quantitative analog thinking about physiological processes. To meet this aim the concept of equivalent electronic circuits was introduced in teaching. Two examples of simulation of physiological phenomena by equivalent electronic circuits are described: (1) a pump for building-up the concentration gradient of a solute and (2) drug distribution in body compartments after single or repeated administration and extracellular volume measurement. The use of the latter circuit in teaching was tested in two generations of postgraduate medical students. They showed an increasing interest for this type of teaching because simulation graphs were almost identical to those shown in textbooks and physicians manuals.