Handbook of Physics in Medicine and Biology

About this book

This handbook meets the strong need for a resource that presents a quantitative (mathematical) physical description of all aspects of cellular and organ performance and the methods used to measure these functions. Moreover, it covers the physics necessary to understand the theoretical and practical basis for development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools. It offers readers a foundation in relevant physical principles and technology critical to a complete understanding of biological functioning for application to biomedical research and healthcare. Throughout this work, the expert contributors emphasize aspects of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in relations to normal physiological functions. The editor’s approach throughout is to address the major healthcare challenges, including tissue engineering and reproductive medicine, as well as development of artificial organs and prosthetic devices. The contents are organized by organ type and biological function, which is given a clear description in terms of electric, mechanical, thermodynamic and hydrodynamic properties. In addition to the physical descriptions, each chapter discusses principles of related clinical diagnostic methods and technological aspects of therapeutic applications. The final section focuses on regenerative engineering, with emphasis on biochemical and physiochemical factors that are important to improving or replacing biological functions. Chapters cover materials used for a broad range of applications associated with the replacement or repair of tissues or entire tissue structures.