Date of Award
Fall 1966
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biomedical Engineering
First Advisor
Horgan, James D.
Second Advisor
Delfs, Eleanor
Third Advisor
Blank, Gary L.
Abstract
A satisfactory mathematical model of the anterior pituitary-ovarian endocrine control system has not been published. It is the object of this thesis to present an acceptable model for this system and to check it with known physiological data by simulation. Such a mathematical modeling process serves two purposes. First, in changing from a purely qualitative theory to the quantitative theory of a mathematical model, a better understanding of the physiological system emerges. Secondly, the model serves to direct the course of future experimentation, proving or disproving the existence of certain influences in the actual system. This additional experimental data can be included in the mathematical model causing the simulations to resemble the physical system even more closely. The results of a mathematical modeling process are the unification and the extension of knowledge of the physiological system. Unification of existing knowledge is necessary to describe the system mathematically. The extension of present knowledge occurs when future experiments performed (in vitro or in vivo) show new and possibly heretofore unsuspected factors. A more accurate simulation is obtained when this additional data is incorporated in the model. Both of these results can be achieved for any physical system. This thesis presents simulations of several mathematical models for the anterior pituitary-ovarian endocrine system. In addition, it presents modeling concepts and a wealth of simulation procedures so that all who read it should be better able to model their own systems of interest. The author's interest in the anterior pituitary-ovarian endocrine system was stimulated by a graduate course entitled "Computer Simulation of Physiological Systems." Many different systems of the human .body were examined in this course and some were formulated in mathematical terms. But one very important system seemed to be somewhat neglected because of its complexity. That system is the topic of this thesis.
Recommended Citation
Thompson, Henry E., "Hormonal Control of Ovulation: Simulations of the Anterior Pituitary-Ovarian Endocrine Control System" (1966). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 4219.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/4219