Semester
Fall
Date of Graduation
2005
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Committee Chair
Nilay Mukherjee.
Abstract
Articular cartilage is a connective tissue that covers the ends of bones in joints, providing a nearly frictionless bearing surface for efficiently transmitting loads to the underlying joint. It is made up of specialized cells called chondrocytes that are responsible for its growth and maintenance. Studies indicate that cells remodel the tissue in response to mechanical loading. However the mechanism by which cells sense and respond to mechanical signals is poorly understood.;Studies also suggest the presence of internal fluid pressure in cells and change in this fluid pressure is believed to play a role in cellular mechanical signal transduction. This study attempted to ascertain the presence of fluid pressure in cells via the role it plays in changing cell volume and area through 3-D cell poking experiments using a laser scanning confocal miscroscope. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).
Recommended Citation
Srinivasan, Jayendran, "Investigation of internal fluid pressure in cells" (2005). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 1687.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/1687