Fibrous network/compressibility

Articular cartilage is a complex composite polymeric material that consists principally of a network of collagen (in various states of aggregation), protein-polysaccharides, living cells (chondrocytes) and Inorganic ions. The latter are primarily counterions to the charged moieties of the polyelectrolytes of the matrix. The entire network is swollen with water, a major fraction of which is in regions between its fibrous elements. On compression this water is exuded. The tissue s network structure, composition, and equilibrium fluid contents vary with depth from the surface ( >A> ) Its structure and chemical composition have been extensively reviewed ... 

To predict the shape of an adherent tissue cell and quantify the stress distribution inside it, the fibrous actin cytoskeleton or the ECM can be modeled as a two-dimensional network of elastic cables. Previously, elastic cable network provided remarkable quantitative predictions of erythrocyte elastic properties and micropipette aspiration experiments. The cable networks have the additional feature that filaments buckle under compressive load. This model has already been tested successfully to model cell poking, magnetic twisting cytometry, magnetic bead microrheometry experiments. Although the cable network is far from representing the complexity of the actin network mechanics, it incorporates some of its essential features. This model is extended to include the effect of spatial distribution of adhesion points along the periphery of the cell. 

---