Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2025
05:03
A Fluorescent Intravital Imaging Approach to Study Load-Induced Calcium Signaling Dynamics in Mouse Osteocytes
Published on: February 24, 2023
791
Finite Element Models of Osteocytes and Their Load-Induced Activation
1Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. th.smit@amsterdamumc.nl.
Current Osteoporosis Reports
|March 17, 2022
Summary
Finite element analysis models bone osteocytes, revealing how they sense mechanical stress. Microstructural models show the lacuno-canalicular network amplifies strain, influencing cell signaling for bone remodeling.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Cell Biology
- Computational Modeling
Background:
- Osteocytes, embedded in bone matrix, detect mechanical cues to regulate bone remodeling.
- Understanding how osteocytes perceive mechanical stress is crucial for bone adaptation research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the capabilities and challenges of finite element analysis (FEA) models of bone.
- To specifically evaluate FEA models of osteocytes and load-induced activation mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing finite element analysis (FEA) to model bone at various scales.
- Incorporating microstructural details like the lacuno-canalicular network and cytoskeleton.
- Developing supracellular multiscale models for detailed analysis.
Main Results:
- Heterogeneous and microstructural models provide more realistic insights than homogeneous ones.
- The lacuno-canalicular network amplifies strain, with cell protrusions being highly stimulated by strain and fluid flow.
- More detailed geometries enhance strain amplification effects.
Conclusions:
- FEA is a powerful tool for understanding osteocyte mechanotransduction.
- Future models may incorporate chemical transport and intercellular communication for comprehensive insights.
Related Concept Videos
01:40Bone Remodeling
38.7K
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
38.7K
01:15Relation between Poisson's ratio, Modulus of Elasticity and Modulus of Rigidity
341
Deformation occurs in axial and transverse directions when an axial load is applied to a slender bar. This deformation impacts the cubic element within the bar, transforming it into either a rectangular parallelepiped or a rhombus, contingent on its orientation. This transformation process induces shearing strain. Axial loading elicits both shearing and normal strains. Applying an axial load instigates equal normal and shearing stresses on elements oriented at a 45° angle to the load axis.
341
01:18The Bone Matrix
4.7K
Bone contains a relatively small number of cells entrenched in a matrix of collagen fibers that provide an adherent surface for inorganic salt crystals. Both components of the matrix, organic and inorganic, contribute to the unusual properties of bone. Without collagen, bones would be brittle and shatter easily. Without mineral crystals, bones would flex and provide little support. This can be observed by an experiment: when the minerals of a bone are dissolved by soaking the bone in...
4.7K
01:27Feedback Regulation of Calcium Concentration
3.5K
Calcium is an essential signaling molecule required for various cellular functions. Calcium pumps and ion channels on cell and organellar membranes, such as those on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), regulate calcium concentrations inside the cell. They remain closed, keeping the cytosolic calcium levels low at a resting state.
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
3.5K
01:30Bone Cells and Tissue
5.9K
Bones contain a relatively small number of cells entrenched in a matrix of organic and inorganic components. Although bone cells compose only a small amount of the bone volume, they are crucial to its function. Four types of cells are found within the bone tissue— osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteogenic cells, and osteoclasts.
Osteoblasts and Osteocytes
The osteoblast is the bone cell responsible for forming new bone tissue. It is found in the growing portions of bone, including the...
Osteoblasts and Osteocytes
The osteoblast is the bone cell responsible for forming new bone tissue. It is found in the growing portions of bone, including the...
5.9K
01:27Compact Bone
13.3K
Most bones contain compact and spongy osseous tissue, but their distribution and concentration vary based on the bone's overall function.
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
13.3K