Effects of internal pressure and surface tension on the growth-induced wrinkling of mucosae.

Abstract

Surface wrinkling of mucosae is crucial for the biological functions of many living tissues. In this paper, we investigate the instability of a cylindrical tube consisting of a mucosal layer and a submucosal layer. Our attention is focused on the effects of internal pressure and surface tension on the critical condition and mode number of surface wrinkling induced by tissue growth. It is found that the internal pressure plays a stabilizing role but basically has no effect on the critical mode number. Surface tension also stabilizes the system and reduces the critical mode number of surface patterns. Besides, the thinner the mucosal layer, the more significant the effect of surface tension. This work may help gain insights into the surface wrinkling and morphological evolution of such tubular organs as airways and esophagi.