Journal of biomechanics
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The propagation of the arterial pulse wave in the large systemic arteries has been calculated using a linearised method of characteristics analysis to follow the waves generated by the heart. The model includes anatomical and physiological data for the 55 largest arteries adjusted so that the bifurcating tree of arteries is well matched for forward travelling waves. The peripheral arteries in the model are terminated by resistance elements which are adjusted to produce a physiologically reasonable distribution of mean blood flow. ⋯ Calculations are carried out with the total occlusion of different arterial segments in order to model experiments in which the effects of the occlusion of different arteries on pressure and flow in the ascending aorta were measured. Finally, the effects of changes in peripheral resistance on pressure and velocity waveforms are also studied. We conclude from these calculations that the complex pattern of wave propagation in the large arteries may be the most important determinant of arterial haemodynamics.