Simulation of the neuronal regulator of the lower urinary tract using a multiagent system

Abstract

In this paper, a model of the neuronal regulator of the lower urinary tract that regulates the micturition process is presented. A multi-agent system has been used in which each agent models the behaviour of the different neuronal centres involved in the process. This model enables the distribution and emergence characteristics of neuronal regulation to be represented. Likewise, aspects such as modularity and flexibility that allow new advances in research into the nervous system to be incorporated into the model have also been taken into account. Based on the proposed model, a tool has been implemented which allows to simulate the functioning of the model showing the values related to urodymanic variables graphically. Several examples of the tests carried out with the model are presented in this paper and the results have been validated by comparing them with real data. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2003.