Computational Simulation of the Deformation of Neuronal Cells

Abstract

A numerical simulation (finite element method (FEM)) is used to determine the local mechanical response of a neuron based on the real neuron geometry. The real 3D geometry of a neuron can be constructed from the 2D confocal image stack which is taken per micron along the thickness direction from the top surface of neuron to the substrate. By matching the simulated deformation of the neuron with the measured results from the confocal microscopy images, the relative strength of the neuron components can be determined based on the reverse analysis of FEM. Then, the neuron local mechanical response and the relationship between the local response and the global applied deformation can be obtained, which will be the first step of building the mechanical injury model of neuron.