Abstract
Mechanics plays a major role in heart development. This paper reviews
some of the mechanical aspects involved in theoretical modeling of the
embryonic heart as it transforms from a single tube into a
four-chambered pump. In particular, large deformations and significant
alterations in structure lead to highly nonlinear boundary value
problems. First, the biological background for the problem is discussed.
Next, a modified elasticity theory is presented that includes active
contraction and growth, and the theory is incorporated into a finite
element analysis. Finally, models for the heart are presented to
illustrate the developmental processes of growth, remodeling, and
morphogenesis. Combining such models with appropriate experiments should
shed light on the complex mechanisms involved in cardiac development.
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