Wolff's law, piezo-electricity and mechanical stress responses in the skeleton

The interaction of physical phenomena such as electricity, magnetic fields, and mechanical strains with cells or tissues is now well documented but not understood. The biological response to each of these phenomena is different both in the short term and the long term, indicating that different physical interactions are taking place. In all cases the biological effects appear to be mediated through the known cellular control mechanisms. In bone it appears that, apart from piezoelectric effects, stress-generated phenomena act on the cells to cause changes in the structure and function of bone. The distinct biophysical phenomena that occur are identified.<>