  Tissue homeostasis, the biological process of maintaining a steady state in
tissue via control of cell proliferation, death, and metabolic function, is
essential for the development, growth, maintenance, and proper function of
living organisms. Disruptions to this process can lead to serious diseases and
even death. In this study, we use the vertex model for the cell-level
description of tissue mechanics to investigate the impact of the tissue
microenvironment and local mechanical properties of cells on homeostasis in
confined epithelial tissues. We find a dynamic steady state, where the balance
between cell divisions and removals sustains homeostasis. By characterising
homeostasis in terms of cell count, tissue area, and the cells' neighbour count
distribution, we identify the factors that govern regulated and ordered tissue
growth. This work, therefore, sheds light on the mechanisms underlying tissue
homeostasis and highlights the importance of mechanics in the control of
biological processes such as tissue development and disease pathology.
