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The theory of impedance in biological systems

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Abstract

The basic relations of impedance as they pertain to biological systems is slowly varying electric fields are developed. One of the boundary conditions for the quasi-steady state is derived in terms of impedance rather than the limiting case of resistance. Then, given a complete schedule of conditions, the equation of Maxwell for a single membrane-covered sphere is derived in terms of impedance. Cole's relations are then obtained for a thin membrane. The analysis is extended to obtain Cole's relations for a suspension of spheres and alternative boundary conditions are suggested to remove ambiguities in Cole's work. A similar procedure is then applied to a membrane-covered cylinder and a flat sheet with membranous walls. Equations are also derived for experimental systems using electrodes with spherical or cylindrical symmetry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, University of Louisville, 40208, Louisville, KY

    Manuel Schwartz

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  1. Manuel Schwartz
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Schwartz, M. The theory of impedance in biological systems. J Biol Phys 1, 123–142 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02308891

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02308891

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