• Main image: Myogenic precursor cells have the ability to differentiate and fuse to form multinucleated myotubes. This differentiation process can be influenced by means of mechanical as well as biochemical stimuli. To monitor this process of early differentiation, immunohistochemical analyses are performed to provide information concerning morphology and localization of characteristic structural proteins of muscle cells. In the illustration, the sarcomeric proteins actin (red), and myosin (green) are shown. Nuclei are stained blue. Image courtesy of Mrs Marloes Langelaan.

• Left top: To study the effect of a mechanical load on the damage evolution of skeletal tissue, an in-vitro model system using tissue engineered muscle was developed. The image shows this muscle construct in a set-up on a confocal microscope. In the device the construct can be mechanically deformed by means of an indentor. Fluorescent identification of both necrotic and apoptotic cells can be established using different staining techniques. Image courtesy of Mrs Debby Gawlitta.

• Left middle: A three-dimensional finite element mesh of the human heart ventricles is shown. This mesh is used to solve the equations of motion for the beating heart. The model was used to study the effect of depolarization waves and mechanics in the paced heart. Image courtesy of Mr Roy Kerckhoffs.

• Left bottom: The equilibrium equations are derived from Newton's laws and describe (quasi-)static force equilibrium in a three-dimensional continuum. See Eqs. (8.33), (8.34) and (8.35) in the present book.