Term

constitutive relationships in biology

Definition

— The cytoplasm may behave like a viscous fluid over time — The nucleus resists external forces elastically — The actin cortex or the membrane may combine elastic and viscous effects — Some tissues stiffen when stretched : nonlinear behavior.

Term

linear elastic material (hooke's law)

Definition

An elastic material returns to its initial shape after deformation. The stress–strain relationship is linear: σ = E ε where E is Young’s modulus (stiffness). This is a reversible behavior.

Term

linear elasticity applies when

Definition

deformations are small and proportional to the applied stresses