Module-2 Notes Biology For Engineers....
Module-2 Notes Biology For Engineers....
MODULE-2
HUMAN ORGAN SYSTEMS AND BIO DESIGNS - 1
Syllabus
Brain as a CPU system (architecture, CNS and Peripheral Nervous System, signal
transmission, EEG, Robotic arms for prosthetics. Engineering solutions for Parkinson’s
disease).Eye as a Camera system (architecture of rod and cone cells, optical corrections,
cataract, lens materials, bionic eye).Heart as a pump system (architecture, electrical
signaling - ECG monitoring and heart related issues, reasons for blockages of blood vessels,
design of stents, pace makers, defibrillators).
The human body can be considered as a biological machine. Like a machine, the human body is
composed of various interconnected parts that work together to perform specific functions. All
these organs together are called as human organ systems. There are several organ systems in the
human body, each with its own set of organs and functions.
BIO DESIGNS
Using the principles from biology and nature in the engineering field of design to create innovative
solutions for various applications is called as bio
design.
Examples:
1. Lotus leaves have inspired the development of
self-cleaning surfaces and coatings that repel
water and dirt, mimicking the lotus effect.
2. The adhesive capabilities of gecko feet have
been a source of inspiration for scientists to
produce bio-inspired adhesives.
3. Bioluminescent Lighting: Taking inspiration
from bioluminescent organisms like fireflies and
jellyfish, designers have created lighting solutions
that emit light without the need for electricity.
HUMAN BRAIN
The brain is the center of the nervous system in humans. It is located within the skull. It is a complex and vital organ and
is responsible for controlling and coordinating various bodily functions. The brain plays central role in processing
information from the senses, enabling perception, thinking, and consciousness.
The brain is composed of billions of specialized cells called neurons. These neurons form intricate networks and
pathways throughout the brain and the rest of the body. This network allows the transmission of information and
communication with each other through electrical and chemical signals.
THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE BRAIN (ANOTOMY OF BRAIN)
The brain is a highly complex organ of human brain. It consists of different region, each region will perform their own
specialized functions. An overview of an overview of the major structural components of the brain and their functions is
given briefly below.
1. Cerebrum: The cerebrum is the largest and most prominent part of the brain. It is divided into two hemispheres, called
as the left and right cerebrums. These two are connected by a bundle of nerve fibers. The cerebrum is responsible for
higher cognitive functions, including conscious thought, reasoning, memory, language processing, perception, and
voluntary movements.
2. Cerebellum: The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain, below the cerebrum. The main functions of this part
are motor control, coordination, balance, and posture. The cerebellum receives sensory information from the muscles
and joints and helps in fine-tuning movements and maintaining equilibrium.
3. Brainstem: The brainstem is located at the base of the brain and connects the brain to the spinal cord. The brainstem is
responsible for essential functions like regulating breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and basic involuntary actions.
4. Thalamus: The thalamus is a structure located deep within the brain. It acts as a relay station. It receives sensory
information from various senses and directs it to the appropriate regions of the cerebral cortex for processing.
5. Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus is a small area located below the thalamus. It plays a crucial role in maintaining
various bodily functions, including body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep, and hormone production through its control
of the pituitary gland.
6. Limbic System: The limbic system is a group of interconnected brain structures located in the center of the brain
involved in emotions, memory formation, and motivation. The main structures in limbic system are hippocampus
(important for memory), and (associated with emotions and fear response).
THE NTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) and PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (PNS)
The Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) are the two main components of the
nervous system in the human body.
The Central Nervous System consists of the brain and spinal cord and
is responsible for receiving, processing, and integrating sensory
information and transmitting commands to the rest of the body. The
brain acts as the command center, receiving and processing sensory
inputs and generating motor outputs, while the spinal cord acts as a
relay center, transmitting information between the brain and
peripheral nerves.
The Peripheral Nervous System, on the other hand, consists of all the
nerves that lie outside the brain and spinal cord. It is responsible for
transmitting sensory information from the periphery of the body (such
as the skin, muscles, and organs) to the CNS, and transmitting
commands from the CNS to the periphery. The PNS can be further
divided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic
nervous system.
Signal Transmission
Signal transmission in the brain occurs through the nerve cells,
or neurons.
This process of transmitting information from one neuron to another is known as synaptic transmission
and forms the basis of communication within the brain.
Different types of neurotransmitters have different effects on postsynaptic neurons, and
the balance of neurotransmitter levels can influence brain function, including mood, learning,
and memory.
ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY (EEG)
It’s a method for measuring the electrical
activity of the brain.
An EEG records the electrical signals
generated by the brain's neurons as they
communicate with each other. The signals
produced by the neurons are recorded
through electrodes placed on the scalp of the
brain and the resulting EEG pattern
produced during this process provides the
information about the synchronized
electrical activity of neurons.
Applications of EEG
Diagnosis of Epilepsy: EEG is a widely used tool to diagnose epilepsy and other seizure disorders. It can
detect abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which can help to confirm the diagnosis and determine the
location of the seizure focus.
Sleep Studies: EEG is often used in sleep studies to evaluate sleep patterns and diagnose sleep disorders.
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI): EEG can be used to control external devices such as prosthetic limbs or
computer software. This is done by detecting specific brain waves associated with a particular mental state,
such as concentration or relaxation.
Research on Brain Function: EEG is used in research to study brain function during various activities such
as reading, problem-solving, and decision-making. EEG can also be used to investigate how the brain
responds to stimuli such as light, sound, and touch.
Diagnosis of Brain Disorders: EEG can be used to diagnose a wide range of brain disorders including
dementia, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injury.
Anesthesia Monitoring: EEG can be used to monitor the depth of anesthesia during surgery to ensure that
the patient remains in a safe and comfortable state.
Monitoring Brain Activity during Coma: EEG is also used to monitor brain activity in patients who are in
a coma to determine the level of brain function and assess the likelihoodof recovery.
ROBOTIC ARMS FOR PROSTHETICS
Robotic arms for prosthetics are advanced prosthetic devices that use robotics technology to restore functionality
to individuals with upper limb amputations.
These devices typically use motors, actuators, and sensors to mimic the movements of a human arm and hand,
allowing the wearer to perform tasks such as reaching, grasping, and manipulating objects.
Robotic arms for prosthetics can be controlled in a variety of ways, including direct control through muscle
signals (myoelectric control) or brain-machine interfaces, which use electrodes implanted in the brain or placed
on the scalp to detect and interpret brain activity. Some prosthetic arms also incorporate machine learning
algorithms to improve their performance and adapt to the user's needs over time.
Robotic arm prosthetic direct control through muscle signals (Myoelectric control)
Myoelectric control of a robotic arm prosthetic involves using the electrical signals generated by the
wearer's remaining muscles to control the movement of the prosthetic. The system typically involves
electrodes placed on the skin over the remaining muscle that are used to detect and interpret the electrical
signals generated by the muscle contractions.
The user can then control the movement of the prosthetic in real-time by thinking about the desired movement.
BMIs have the advantage of providing a direct and intuitive connection between the user's brain and the
prosthetic, allowing for a high level of control and precision. Additionally, BMIs can be used to provide sensory
feedback to the user, allowing them to experience the sensation of touch through the prosthetic.
In both the eye and a camera, the captured light is transformed into an image by the lens and the light-
sensitive component. The eye processes the image further, allowing for visual perception, while a camera
stores the image for later use.
It's important to note that the eye is much more complex than a camera and has several additional
functions, such as adjusting for different levels of light and adjusting focus, that are not found in a camera.
The eye also has the ability to perceive depth and color, as well as adjust to movements and provide a
continuous, real-time image to the brain.
ARCHITECTURE OF ROD AND CONE CELLS
Rod cells are photo receptor cells in the retina of the eye that are responsible for detecting light and
transmitting signals to the brain for the perception of vision, especially in low light conditions. Since these
cells are present in the outer part of the retina, rod cells are more sensitive to light than cone cells but do not
distinguish color as well.
Cone cells are photoreceptor cells in the retina of the eye that are
responsible for color vision and visual acuity. There are three types of
cone cells, each containing a different photo pigment sensitive to
different wavelengths of light (red, green, and blue), which allow for the
perception of color. Cones are less sensitive to light than rod cells but
provide better visual acuity and color discrimination. They are
concentrated in the fovea, the central part of the retina responsible for
detailed and sharp vision.
Rod and cone cells have a similar basic structure, but there are some
differences that are crucial for their different functions.
Both types of cells have a photoreceptor outer segment that contains the
DEFIBRILLATORS
A defibrillator is a medical device that delivers an
electric shock to the heart to restore its normal
rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest or other life-
threatening heart rhythm disorders. Defibrillators can
be external (placed on the chest) or internal
(implanted within the body).
The basic design of a defibrillator consists of:
Power source: The power source, typically a
battery, provides energy to deliver the electric
shock to the heart.
Electrodes: The electrodes are placed on the
chest and deliver the electric shock to the heart.
Circuitry: The circuitry in the defibrillator
controls the delivery of the electric shock,
including the timing, strength, and duration of the shock.
Display: A display on the defibrillator provides information about the heart rhythm, battery life, and
other relevant information.
Automated External Defibrillators
External defibrillators, also known as automated external defibrillators (AEDs), are designed for use by
laypeople and are commonly found in public places such as airports, shopping centers, and schools.
They are relatively simple in design and typically have voice prompts and visual cues to guide the user
through the process of delivering the electric shock.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Internal defibrillators, also known as implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), are surgically
implanted within the body and are used to treat people with a high risk of sudden cardiac arrest. They
are typically more complex in design, including features such as continuous monitoring of the heart
rhythm, and automatic delivery of shocks when necessary.
Construction of defibrillators
The construction of defibrillators involves the use of high-quality materials and specialized
manufacturing processes to ensure their safety and reliability.
Materials Used
Materials used in the construction of defibrillators include:
Medical-grade plastics: Medical-grade plastics, such as polycarbonate, are used to construct the
exterior of the device and to provide insulation and protection for the internal components.