Numerical Computation of the Cell Mechanical Behaviour for Different Finite Element Models of Osteocytes based on Tensegrity Structures

The remodelling process of living bone tissue is initiated by sensor cells referred to as osteocytes (OC). Caused by a stimulus acting on these cells, signal molecules are sent out to activate and control resorption and reconstruction of bone matrix by osteoclasts and osteoblasts [1]. OC are embedded inside the bone matrix in cavities referred to as lacunae. Micro-movements of the extracellular bone matrix (ECM) are transferred to the cell membrane via integrins. The interrelation of protein fibres inside OC (microfilaments, intermediate filaments and microtubules) build up the cytoskeleton (CSK) framework, which is comparable to self stabilising tensegrity structures [2]. The protein fibre lattice moreover holds the nucleus inside the cell and transmits mechanical forces acting on the cell membrane directly to the nucleus. For this reason the CSK of OC is suggested to have a major role for the mechanosensory function and the mechanotransduction process [3].