Synopses & Reviews
Electric currents and electromagnetic fields have been applied to biological systems, particularly humans, with both therapeutic and pathological results. This text discusses biological responses to electric currents and electromagnetic fields, including medical applications and shock hazards. It covers fundamental physical and engineering principles of responses to short-term electrical exposure and emphasises human reactions, although animal responses are considered as well, and the treatment covers reactions from the just-detectable to the clearly detrimental. An important new chapter discusses standards for human exposure to electromagnetic fields and electric current and demonstrates how these standards have been developed using the principles treated in earlier chapters.
Synopsis
This book discusses short-term biological responses to electric currents and electromagnetic fields. It examines electricity as used for medical purposes, covers fundamental physical and engineering principles of responses to short-term electrical exposure, and emphasizes human reactions as well as animal responses to electricity.
Synopsis
Exposure to electrical currents and electromagnetic fields is important in medicine and engineering. This book is unique in its treatment of the short-term biological responses to electric currents and fields. It contains an important chapter on developing standards for human exposure to electrical fields and currents. The book will be of interest to professionals involved in regulation and safety of electrical devices, designers and users of biomedical devices, researchers in electrical stimulation and shock, and legal professionals involved in electrical safety.
Table of Contents
Introduction.- Impedance and Current Distribution.- Electrical Principles of Nerve and Muscle Function.- Excitation Models.- Electrical Properties of the Heart.- Cardiac Sensitivity to Electrical Stimulation.- Sensory Responses to Electrical Stimulation.- Skeletal Muscle Response to Electrical Stimulation.- Stimulation via Electric and Magnetic Fields.- High-Voltage and High-Current Injuries.- Standards and Rationale.