Modeling and measurements of the mechanophysiological function of the gastrointestinal organs

Gastroenterological research has traditionally been based on experimental approaches rather than mathematical modeling. However, the various patterns of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract functions are generated by the integrated function of multiple tissues and cell types. Hence, a thorough study of the gut requires understanding of the interaction between cells, tissues and GI organs in health and diseases. A unique way of coping with this explosion in complexity is mathematical modeling. Novel modeling analysis together with development of medical imaging techniques and advanced medical devices can be integrated into different standards, to aid the understanding of the physiology and clinical decision makings in GI diseases. This review summarizes the current advanced mechano-physiological modeling analyses on the human GI organs, including imaging modeling analysis on the mass transit processing and mechano-physiological modeling during organ distension. The proposed models have the potential to shed some lights on the functional understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the gut in health and disease.