Modeling Heart Development

Mechanics plays a major role in heart development. This paper reviews some of the mechanical aspects involved in theoretical modeling of the embryonic heart as it transforms from a single tube into a four-chambered pump. In particular, large deformations and significant alterations in structure lead to highly nonlinear boundary value problems. First, the biological background for the problem is discussed. Next, a modified elasticity theory is presented that includes active contraction and growth, and the theory is incorporated into a finite element analysis. Finally, models for the heart are presented to illustrate the developmental processes of growth, remodeling, and morphogenesis. Combining such models with appropriate experiments should shed light on the complex mechanisms involved in cardiac development.