This example demonstrates the use of an empirically based algorithm to generate pulmonary supernumerary blood vessels. "Supernumerary" vessels are extra pulmonary blood vessels (i.e. vessels which do not accompany the airways) which tend to branch off at right angles and quickly branch towards the closest respiratory unit. This example is illustrated for a portion of the arterial vessels in the left lower lobe (LLL) of the human lung. A series of data points are generated, each one represents a single acinar (gas exchange) unit. The supernumerary branches branch off the stem vessels and 'grow' towards the closest data point.

Created by Kelly Burrowes, 04/2004.

A branch of arteries (red)

Series of data points

Supernumerary vessels (gold)

Close in view of the arterial mesh

To create an image in order to visualise the results of this simulation, use draw.com.