構成、constitute

「（物を）構成する」の訳語としてconstituteを使うことには何となく抵抗（抽象的な響きのような気がして）があったが、物の説明でも別に問題ないと思った。

rafter: one of several internal beams extending from the eaves to the peak of a roof and constituting its framework. (The New Oxford Americal Dictionary, Kindle)

22OCT2014追記
網膜を構成する細胞：
cells constituting the retina
cells forming the retina
cells comprising the retina
cells making up the retina
cells included in the retina
cells of the retina
cells of which the retina is made

タイヤを構成する部材：
members constituting a tire
members comprising a tire
members forming a tire
members of a tire
members of which a tire is made

一体本当はどれが良いのか・・・？