Development of a Discrete Finite Element Cell Model

Computational models have proven useful in the study of cell mechanics and mechanotransduction. While most finite element (FE) models of cells are commonly described in terms of the laws of continuum mechanics, a model that can accurately represent the microstructure of the filamentous network of the cytoskeleton would be required to relate mechanics to biology at the microscale level. An alternative approach to a continuum is presented here, whereby the discrete nature of the cytoskeleton of the cell is emphasized and the known structural properties of the cytoskeleton of the cell are utilized.