Nerve Racking
Figure 1. The human nervous system.Copyright GirlsHealth.gov http://www.4girls.gov/body/body_tool2.htm
Students learn about the function and components of the human nervous system, which helps them understand the purpose of our brains, spinal cords, nerves and five senses. In addition, how the nervous system is affected during spaceflight is also discussed.
Engineers develop better ways to save the brain from trauma and disease. They develop surgical and imaging equipment, such as the gamma-knife, deep brain stimulators and MRIs. Engineers also design brain saving devices such as protective sports helmets. They study the nervous system in order to create ways to regenerate damaged nerves so that people with spinal cord injuries may be able walk again. Engineers create sight devices from glasses to advanced vision tools (including a light sensor imbedded into the back of the eye) for people who cannot see at all or have difficulty seeing. Biomedical engineers create devices to aid people who have lost or are lacking full hearing capabilities. Engineers are also designing a drug that can keep astronauts from getting space-motion sickness, which is caused by conflicting sensory inputs.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Describe the functions and parts of the nervous system.
- Describe the role engineers play in designing biomedical equipment to help with the nervous system.
- Explain how the five senses are affected during spaceflight.