title: Mathematical modelling of the elastic properties of retina: a determination of Young's modulus.
abstract: The retina can be regarded as an elastic membrane or sheet which stretches and deforms when a force is applied to it. Isolated bovine retina was taken and a graded traction force applied to determine retinal profile as a function of force. The resulting profile can be modelled mathematically and the model then used to determine a value for the elastic constant. The value of the elastic constant obtained by this method is approximately 2 N/m. This value of the elastic constant, combined with the observed retinal thickness, yields a value of Young's modulus for retina of approximately 2 x 10(4) Pa, which is about 2 orders of magnitude weaker than typical rubber. This value can then be used in modelling retinal behaviour in vivo when forces are applied to detached retina.
authors.affiliation: Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: I L
authors.initials: IL
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Warner
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Stevens
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D001703:Biophysics; D002417:Cattle; D004548:Elasticity; D008954:Models, Biological; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012160:Retina / Q000502:physiology*