Piezoelectric Effect in Blood Vessel Walls

Abstract

Piezoelectric effect has been observed in various kinds of tissues such as trachea, intestines, ligament, aorta and vena. The anisotropy of piezoelectric modulus indicates the preferred orientation of piezoelectric protein fibers including collagen and elastin. The value of piezoelectric modulus in completely dried state is from 10⁻¹⁰ to 10⁻⁹c.g.s.e.s.u.. Temperature variation of the piezoelectric modulus is influenced by the thermal motion of molecules and the moisture absorbed in the specimen. It is estimated that 1 precent oblique cyclic deformation of blood vessel walls at a frequency of about 1 c/s could produce the alternating electric current of approximately 3 pico ampere between the surfaces of the vessel wall.