Fractals. Physiologic complexity, scaling, and opportunities for imaging. 1990

T R Nelson
Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0610.

Fractal organization and behavior is an important and ubiquitous feature of biologic systems. Recognition of the properties and scaling relations can yield important clues regarding the underlying anatomy and physiology of most organs. Potential applications are many, and this brief article has considered only a few areas where there has been progress to date. Recognition of the importance of physiologic scaling has application regarding: proper extrapolation of drug doses from laboratory to human; understanding body mass and surface area relationships related to growth and development; the kinetics of basic biochemical reactions; stress-strain relationships of osteostructural development; and numerous other important processes. As imagers with access to a wide range of sophisticated instrumentation employing diverse probes to extract anatomic, and increasingly physiologic, information, radiologists are poised to use the features of fractals and nonlinear processes to expand the scope and precision of diagnostic information available for patient care.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008954 Models, Biological Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment. Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D003952 Diagnostic Imaging Any visual display of structural or functional patterns of organs or tissues for diagnostic evaluation. It includes measuring physiologic and metabolic responses to physical and chemical stimuli, as well as ultramicroscopy. Imaging, Diagnostic,Imaging, Medical,Medical Imaging
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man

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