Aortic impedance data of infants, children and adults (age range 0.8–54 yr), previously reported by others, were interpreted by means of three alternative four-element windkessel models: W4P, W4S, and IVW. The W4P and W4S are derived from the three-element windkessel (W3) by connecting an inertance ( L) in parallel or in series, respectively, with the aortic characteristic resistance ( Rc). In the IVW, L is connected in series with a viscoelastic windkessel (VW). The W4S and IVW (same input impedance) fit the data best. The W4S, however, suffers from the assumption that Rc is part of total peripheral resistance ( Rp). The IVW model offers a new paradigm for interpretation of resistive properties in terms of viscous ( Rd) properties of vessel wall motion, distinguished from Rp. Results indicated that rapid reduction of Rd/ Rp during early development is functional to modulation of decay time constant (τd) of pressure in diastole, such that normalization over heart period (τd/T) is independent of body size. Estimates of total arterial compliance ( C) vs. age were fitted by a bell-shaped curve with a maximum at 33 yr. With body weight (BW) factored out by normalization, the C/BW data scattered about a bell-shaped curve centered at 66 mmHg. Inertance was significantly higher in pediatric patients than in adults, in accordance with a lower cross-sectional area of the vasculature, commensurate to a lower aortic flow. Changes of arterial properties appear functional to control the ratio of pulsatile power to active power and keep arterial efficiency as high as 97% in infants and children.