On Propagation of Excitation Waves in Moving Media: The FitzHugh-Nagumo Model
2009

Propagation of Excitation Waves in Moving Media

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ermakova Elena A., Shnol Emmanuil E., Panteleev Mikhail A., Butylin Andrey A., Volpert Vitaly, Ataullakhanov Fazoil I.

Primary Institution: Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia

Hypothesis

How do excitation waves behave in a moving medium like blood?

Conclusion

The study clarifies how excitation waves can propagate and survive in flowing media, even when they would not exist in still conditions.

Supporting Evidence

  • Excitation waves can survive in flowing media even when they would not exist in still conditions.
  • At high stream velocities, waves form isolated excited regions called 'restrictons'.
  • The study provides insights into the mechanisms of wave propagation in biological systems.

Takeaway

This study looks at how waves of excitement, like those in blood, can move even when the blood is flowing fast. Sometimes, these waves can get stuck in one place.

Methodology

The study used a mathematical model to analyze two-dimensional excitation waves in a parabolic flow.

Limitations

The findings may not directly apply to complex biological systems without further detailed models.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004454

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