The choice of a suitable muscle model consistent with the mechanical behaviour of Rat papillary muscle at rest or during isotonic or isometric contraction has been considered. Three different preload levels within the ascending limb of the Frank-Starling curve have been used in five papillary muscles. Series elastic (SE) and parallel elastic (PE) length-tension relationships have been evaluated according to five mechanical muscle models using data from systolic and diastolic quick-release manoeuvres. For each preload level and muscle model, the time course of the force-velocity relationship of the contractile element (CE) has been calculated using a PDP 8/L digital computer. Several mechanical and biological characteristics are considered which exclude four of the five selected muscle models. The Maxwell model with a damper seems to be the most suitable mechanical model for Rat papillary muscle. According to the selected muscle model it seems that VCEmax is dependent on muscle length variation; the reliability of this parameter as an index of myocardial contractility is discussed.