The Nervous System

The Nervous System

A network of communicatory pathways that allows an organism to interact with the environment Central Nervous System (CNS) Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The Central Nervous System

Composed of the brain and spinal cord Gathers & processes info., organizes responses, executes voluntary movements Higher cognitive functions

Memories, learning, etc

The Peripheral Nervous System

Interface between CNS and the environment

Sensory and motor components

Primary afferent neurons sensory receptors motor neurons innervate skeletal muscle

Autonomic motor neurons sympathetic and parasympathetic responses

Sensory Receptors
Chemoreceptor responds when a particular chemical stimulus reacts with the membrane Mechanoreceptor responds to mechanical force on the membrane Photoreceptor hyperpolarizes membrane in response to light

Autonomic Nervous System

Assists in maintaining homeostasis

Controls smooth and cardiac muscle, glands, internal organs Sympathetic Parasympathetic

Two pathways:

Sympathetic Nervous System

Originates in thoracic and upper lumbar regions of the spinal cord Triggers Fight or Flight reactions

HR, respiration peripheral blood flow, gastric function

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Originates in brain stem and sacral spinal cord Acts to restore normal function; regulates function of internal organs

Activates glands, gastric acid secretion, insulin secretion, etc.

The Visual System

Iris Lens Cornea

Fovea

Retina

Optic Nerve

The Retina
10 layers containing photoreceptors and interneuron/ganglion cells Photoreceptors located closer to choroid

Outer layers filter light and prevent scatter

Photoreceptors
Rods: light sensitive; detect light and dark

More sensitive in low light Rhodopsin (purple) photopigment Light and dark adaptation More sensitive in brighter light Red, blue and green photopigment; visible light: 400-750 nm Highest density at the fovea

Cones: color vision

Rods

Cones

How we see

Boston Retinal Implant Project

www.bostonretinalimplant.org

Basic Acoustics
What is sound?

A pressure wave propagating through a medium Pitch: frequency of the wave Intensity: amplitude of the wave (loudness)
dB = 20 log (pressure/reference

Characteristics:

pressure)

Reference pressure = 20 Pa

All sounds are made by adding waves of differing amplitudes, frequencies and phases. Human hearing: 20Hz 20kHz

The Audiogram

The Auditory System

The Auditory System

Outer Ear: Auricle, ear canal, tympanic membrane Middle Ear: Ossicular chain

Malleus, incus, stapes Hair cells

Inner Ear: Cochlea, Auditory Nerve

How we hear

Hair Cells: A Closer Look

Causes of Deafness

The Coclear Implant

Design Considerations for Implantable Bio-electric Devices

Biocompatibility: what happens after its implanted?

Can it withstand the body environment?

Will it break down? Does it release particles? Sterility?

Short and long-term considerations

Power Source: How does it get power?

How long is it going to be implanted?

Battery? External source?

Localized Stimulation: Target tissue?

No current leaked to other tissues