Figure 1. Model Summary Schematic.

The model focuses on a single capillary (ii) taken from the capillary bed (i). The model includes the effect of laminar flow (A) on red blood cells in their native biconcave disk shape (B) causing the deformation of red blood cells into a parachute conformation (C). This subsequently affects distribution and fluid dynamics of particles in the fluid-phase of the blood, which will in turn affect interactions at the vessel wall (D). At the interface of blood and vessel wall (iii), particles proximal to the vessel wall can pass through cellular junctions between cells or fenestrations within cells and therefore freely exchange with the interstitial fluid according to the diffusion gradient (E). Particles may bind corresponding proximal receptors on the endothelial cells (F) they may then be released or internalised and subjected to various cellular trafficking systems (G).