Every organ and cell in the human body uses ionic currents in the performance of critical daily functions. Electricity is the common denominator of all parts composing the Gestalt of a living organism. Except that the electricity it takes to
run a cell is so miniscule that it is estimated to be below the nano ampere range- i.e. less than one over a billion of an ampere (Neher, Nobel Prize 1991). Every cell generates a voltage of roughly 70 mV (millivolt -- one thousandth of a volt) across its outer membrane, which is used for a variety of signaling and transport functions
(R. Nuccitelli, 2003). Many organ functions are coordinated with electrical signals, such as the wave of depolarisation that sweeps over the heart to trigger a synchronous contraction to pump blood efficiently. Abnormalities in this electrical signal can lead to fibrillation and heart attacks. The voltages generated by the contracting heart are so large that they can be easily detected at the surface of the body and this signal, called the electrocardiogram or EKG, is routinely used to diagnose heart disease. With this abundant use of electrical signals in cellular and organ function, it should not be a surprise that endogenous electric fields are also important for normal development, cellular regeneration and wound healing.
Xanya Sofra Weiss
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