FICKSYST (Fick Principle)

Description: FICKSYST is a review of the Fick Principle through a computer simulation which examines gas exchange at the lungs and the tissues. The program reviews pulmonary gas exchange using either 3 compartment or V/Q models. Pulmonary gas exchange is evaluated using a graphic of the Fick Principle which indicates whether alterations in gas exchange are due to changes in ventilation, oxygen transport or cardiac output. Vertical movement is caused by changes in cardiac output whereas changes in ventilation or haemoglobin result in diagonal movements in the graph. The Fick Principle is then applied to a single organ system so the student can experiment using the simulation and see the results of altering oxygen content, blood flow or oxygen consumption. These data are saved in a table which the student can examine to help answer some questions which determine his/her understanding of the principles. These questions must be correctly answered before the student can proceed. A multi-organ system is presented which allows the student to adjust oxygen consumption and blood flow for each organ and observe the resultant venous oxygen tension. A summary graph is generated which allows the user to visualize the entire oxygen cascade from the lungs, arteries, organs and systemic veins for the current variables. The student can review and alter parameters from any of the sections in the program and observe the effect on the individual organs or the arterial and venous gas tensions.

Comments & References: Menu-driven. Primarily designed as a review and reinforcement technique for a systemic, organ physiology course. Text is kept to a minimum and the emphasis is placed on graphics and simulations to provide for active participation by the user(s). See record numbers 141, 694, 695, 702, 721, 739, 803 and 4635 for the other 8 records in the Comp-Edu-Grams series. This item may be borrowed for up to 6 weeks through the Alternative Loan System of the International Network for Humane Education (InterNICHE), free of charge, but return postage must be paid by the person who has borrowed the product. Please note that there are practical limitations on where some items can be sent. Please contact loansystem@interniche.org and see http://www.interniche.org for more information.

Computer type: IBM

Price: Single user per disc: US$75.00; Site license provides unlimited local use of the program at a cost of US$200.00 per disc. Loan Program: Free of charge