Effects of Electric Current on Tissue Biological Effects of Electric Currents Pflüger Laws Rheobase Chronaxie

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards focusing on the effects of electric currents on biological tissues, their properties, types, and applications in medical sciences.

Electric Current

A flow of electric charge; the movement of electrons from one point to another.

Pflüger's Laws

Laws that describe the relationship between electric current and its effects on biological tissues.

Rheobase

The minimum current needed for infinite duration to cause a response.

Chronaxie

The minimum time for which a current of twice the rheobase intensity will cause a contraction.

Conductive Material

Material that allows the flow of electric currents, typically with fewer than four valence electrons.

Non-Conductive Material

Material that does not allow electric currents to flow easily, often having a full valence shell of eight electrons.

Semi-Conductive Material

Material that allows for limited conductivity, with exactly four valence electrons.

Thermic Effect

A biological effect resulting from the heating of tissues by electric current.

Magnetic Effect

The biological effect that occurs when electric current produces a magnetic field.

Chemical Effect

The biological effect where electric current causes chemical changes in tissues.

Anode

The positively charged electrode where electrons move towards in a circuit.

Cathode

The negatively charged electrode where electrons flow from.

Impedance

The total resistance faced by electric current in a circuit.

Resistance

The opposition faced by electric current, measured in ohms (Ω).

Bioelectricity

Electric currents that flow in living organisms, essential for physiological functions.

Electrode

A conductor through which electric current enters or leaves an object, substance, or region.

Electromyography (EMG)

A diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and the nerve fibers that control them.

Electrocardiography (ECG)

A test that measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat.

Electroencephalography (EEG)

A method used to record the electrical activity of the brain.

Low Frequency Currents

Electric currents ranging from 1-1000 Hz, used primarily for pain relief and tissue repair.

Medium Frequency Currents

Currents between 1-100 KHz that can penetrate the skin and underlying tissues more effectively.

High Frequency Currents

Currents above 1 MHz, used for their heating effects on tissues.

Period (T)

The duration of one cycle of a repetitive signal.

Frequency (f)

The number of cycles of a repetitive signal that occur in one second.

Accommodation

The phenomenon where a neuron adapts to stimulus frequency, resulting in diminished response.

Endorphin Synthesis

The biological process by which endorphins, natural pain relievers, are produced.

Electrophysical Effect

The effect of ions on muscle contraction and nerve activation.

Electrothermal Effect

The rise in temperature due to movement of electric charges in a conductive medium.

Electrochemical Effect

Chemical changes that occur at the electrodes during electric stimulation.

Direct Current (Galvanic Current)

Continuous electric current that flows in one direction.

Progressive Current (Exponential Current)

A current that increases and decreases periodically, reaching its peak before returning to zero.

Alternative Current (Sinusoidal Current)

A type of electric current that changes direction periodically.

Induction Current (Faradic Current)

Current generated by magnetic fields, useful in treating muscle atrophy.

Neuromuscular Junction

The synapse where a motor neuron communicates with a muscle fiber.

Electrotherapy

The use of electric currents as a therapeutic treatment method.

Electrode Positioning

The strategic placement of electrodes on the skin to optimize therapy.

Skin Resistance

The opposition to electric current flow through the skin.

Electrical Impedance

The measure of opposition that a circuit presents to the passage of electric current.

Nerve Stimulation

The process of applying electric current to activate nerve tissues.

Biological Responses

Physiological reactions of tissues when exposed to electric currents.

Current Density

The amount of electric current flowing per unit area of the cross-section.

Electrodes Types

Self-adhesive, metal, carbon, and pen electrodes used in various applications.

Muscle Contraction

Shortening of muscle fibers resulting from electrical stimulation.

Electrolyte Concentration

The amount of ionizable substances in a solution, crucial for conducting electric currents.

Tissue Resistance

The opposition of biological tissues to the flow of electric current.

Electrochemical Reactions

Chemical changes resulting from the application of electric current.

Signal Waveform

The shape or pattern of a signal when represented graphically.

Thermal Effect

The increase in temperature of tissues resulting from electric current.

Nerve Fiber Types

Different classifications of nerve fibers based on their properties, such as myelination.

Pain Threshold

The level of stimulus intensity required to elicit pain.

Pathways of Current Flow

Routes that electric current takes in conductive materials.

Ion Movement

The relocation of charged particles within biological tissues.

Contraction Threshold

Minimum required stimulus to provoke muscle contraction.

Summation Effect

The phenomenon where multiple stimuli combine to produce a stronger response.

Electrocution Risk

The potential hazard of electric shock to living tissues.

Skin Temperature Changes

Variations in skin temperature in response to electric therapy.

Post-Treatment Recovery

Physiological healing that occurs following electrotherapy.

Clinical Recovery Indicators

Signs that suggest improvement in a patient's condition after treatment.

Endogenous Analgesic Mechanisms

Internal processes that reduce pain perception in the body.

Neurological Pathways

Nerve pathways that transmit signals throughout the nervous system.

Functional Electrical Stimulation

Therapeutic technique to activate muscles using electrical impulses.

Therapeutic Range

Optimal intensity of current for effective treatment.

Bio-impedance Analysis

Assessment of body composition through resistance to electric current.

Vascular Response

Changes in blood vessel behavior resulting from electrical stimulation.

Thermal Regulation

Body's process of maintaining core internal temperature.

Therapeutic Tissues

Types of tissues targeted for healing through electric current.

Capacitance

The ability of a body to store an electrical charge.

Dynamic Muscle Activation

Muscle engagement initiated by external stimuli.

Physicochemical Stimulus

An external physical or chemical change that elicits a biological response.

Electromagnetic Effects

Biological consequences resulting from exposure to electric and magnetic fields.

Chronic Pain Management

Using electric currents for alleviating persistent pain conditions.

Wound Healing

The process of recovery in damaged tissues.

Hypoalgesia

Reduced sensitivity to pain resulting from electrical therapy.

Action Potential Threshold

The level of depolarization needed to generate an action potential in neurons.

Hysteresis in Excitability

Change in responsiveness of tissue following stimulation.

Clinical Utility of Electric Currents

Application of electric currents in medical therapy and diagnostics.

Patient Comfort during Treatments

Ensuring minimal discomfort while applying electric therapy.

Neural Response to Stimulation

How nerves react when an electric current is applied.

Skin Reaction to Electrodes

Physiological response of the skin upon contact with electrodes.

Current Modulation Techniques

Methods used to adjust the delivery of electric currents.

Therapeutic Effects of Current Applications

Positive outcomes derived from using electric currents for treatment.

High Frequency Techniques

Methods utilizing high frequency currents for deeper tissue penetration.

Biocompatibility of Electrodes

Suitability of electrodes for safe use on biological tissues.

Micro-Stimulation

Low level electrical stimulation for cellular functions.

Peak Current Levels

Maximum amount of current applied during a therapy session.

Neural Impulse Transmission

The propagation of electrical signals along nerve fibers.

Physiological Adaptation to Electric Current

Body's adjustment to repeated exposure to electric currents.