In order to study the effect of the biomechanics of the systemic circulation on cerebral blood flow three sliders are added. These sliders allow to change systemic arterial resistance, systemic arterial capacitance and venous capacitance. The effect upon the cerebral blood flow can be monitored by looking at Z-score graphs; all reflexes off, age = 50, sexe = male.
Changing systemic arterial resistance
LOW HIGH
Lowering arterial resistance will decrease the arterial blood pressure and cause a reduction of cerebral blood flow. Increasing arterial resistance will cause the blood pressure to rise and force the blood through the cerebral instead of the systemic circulation.
Changing systemic arterial capacitance
LOW HIGH
Decreasing systemic arterial capacitance will force the cardiac output into the direction of the cerebral circulation and cause an increase in late systolic and diastolic blood flow. Increasing systemic capacitance will allow the arterial tree to fill with blood at a low blood pressure and most of the cardiac output will bypass the cerebral circulation.
Changing venous capacitance
LOW HIGH
Decreasing venous capacitance will transfer blood from the venous into the arterial compartment increasing blood pressure. The driving force for intracranial blood flow will be increased. Similar reducing venous capacitance allows the blood to dwell longer in the venous phase, reducing arterial blood pressure and thereby intracranial blood flow.