The characteristics of the left ventricle of the human heart considered as a pump have been extensively analysed. Using a new approach relying heavily on the Tensor
Calculus, a theoretical model describing the mechanical and dynamical operation of the left ventricle has been developed. This has considerably greater versatility
than previously proposed models. In particular the physiological shape, both under normal as well as many abnormal situations, is realistically simulated. Further,
the mechanical behaviour of the ventricular wall is synthesised from anatomical data concerning the cardiac muscle fibre structure of the wall. Its mechanical and dynamical properties are then, as in the physiological situation, dependent on those of the muscle fibre. These fibre properties have also been fully investigated and a simple new model for cardiac muscle dynamics, incorporating active state, proposed. This description of the ventricular behaviour in terms of muscle properties represents the first logically structured link between cardiac muscle
fibre characteristics and ventricular performance
