Abstract
The phase velocity of longitudinal waves in biological fluids and tissues with high water content exceed the velocity of sound in water roughly in proportion to the solid content of the material. In general, fatty tissues have lower and bone higher sound speeds than water. With the exception of water, the sound speeds of most of the components of tissues have negative temperature coefficients. Dispersion in the velocity of sound is related to the distribution of relaxing elements in the material and, hence, to the absorption. Since the velocity is a function of the pressure, sound propagation is a nonlinear process. Biological materials, in general, are more nonlinear than water. High-amplitude sound waves become distorted as they propagate and may form shocks that have been associated with biological effects such as excess absorption and fragmentation of kidney and gall stones.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
