Mathematical modeling of capillary density.

Capillary density is important as a determinant for total oxygen transport to tissue. Because both capillary morphology and fiber composition vary considerably from muscle to muscle, measurement of capillary morphology and fiber composition vary considerably from muscle to muscle, measurement of capillary density alone cannot provide the detailed information necessary for analyzing physical phenomena. In this report we consider the capillary:fiber ratio, fiber types, fiber diameters, and fiber composition as components of a unit to express capillary density. We have applied the hexagonal fiber array model to calculate capillary density in cat and dog striated muscle and compared this with experimental data in the literature. The results indicate that this model may be useful for predicting capillary densities from simple biopsy procedures.