The paper deals with problems related to computational modelling of stress-strain states in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). First, motivation for stress-strain analysis of SMCs is presented. Problems of their structure, geometry, constitutive models and initial (stress-free) state are analyzed on the basis of anatomical, histological and physiological knowledge. Various types of computational FE models of SMCs are presented; their constitutive models are identified on the basis of published mechanical tests carried out with SMCs cultured in vitro. Results of two models are presented; the former is a homogeneous model of the cell tension test with hyperelastic constitutive relations of the cell material. The latter model is more complex, it comprehends cortical and deep cytoskeleton, modelled as a tensegrity structure, and homogeneous linear elastic nucleus and remaining cytoplasm; it is used in computational modelling of indentation test. Perspectives, assumptions and limitations of computational modelling of SMCs under physiological load are discussed.

Institute of Solid Mechanics Mechatronics and Biomechanics Brno University of Technology Technicka 2 616 69 Brno Czech Republic

Finite Element Simulations of Mechanical Behaviour of Endothelial Cells