Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Finite Element Modelling of a Cellular Electric Microenvironment
Published on: May 18, 2021
Elementary electrodynamics
1Inserm, U556, Lyon, France University of Lyon, Lyon, France. Jacques.Jossinet@inserm.fr
Abstract:
The paper describes the physical phenomena involved in the conduction of electricity, with particular reference to living tissue. The conduction of electricity depends on the flow of charge carriers in the material, while the dielectric properties are due to the rotation of dipoles that can align along an applied electric field. The relation between the electric variables in a conducting medium and their physical meanings are explained. The phenomena responsible for the electric and dielectric properties of living tissues are described. The presence of cells limits the flow of charge carriers, in particular at low frequency, and the membranes are responsible for dielectric relaxation. The passive response of cell membranes to weak applied signals enables bioelectrical tissue characterisation. Practical tools for electrical impedance spectroscopy are given with an overview of the most recent applications.
Related Concept Videos
Electromagnetic Fields
However, the observation of Gauss's...
Magnetic Force
The magnetic force acting on a moving charge...
Electromagnetic Wave Equation
However, although electric and magnetic fields were first introduced as mathematical constructs to simplify the description of mutual forces between charges, a natural question emerges from Maxwell's equations: What...
Electrical Conductivity
In a practical conductor, an applied electric field may be sustained, causing a flow of electrons, which produce a current. The differential form of the current, the current density, is related to the electric field.
More generally, it is related to the force per unit charge, which involves the...
Differential Form of Maxwell's Equations
Continuity Equation

