Biocompatibility – refers to the property of being biologically compatible by not producing a toxic, injurious, or immunological response or rejection in living tissue.  Unknowns in the bodily response is a principle concern when using artificial materials in the body and hence the biocompatibility of a material is an important design consideration in such materials

Bionic - having anatomical structures or physiological processes that are replaced or enhanced by electronic or mechanical components.

Central nervous system (CNS) - the portion of the vertebrate nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.  It controls the motions and workings of the body by sending signals to various body parts, receiving sensory and functional information from them, and processing the information.

Cochlear - a device consists of electrodes embedded in the cochlea, a spiral-shaped cavity of the inner ear, to stimulate the auditory nerve, and connected to a receiver, transmitter, microprocessor, and microphone.

Cornea - the transparent, convex, anterior portion of the outer fibrous coat of the eyeball is a tough membrane that covers the iris and the pupil and is continuous with the sclera.

Cortex - the outer layer of gray matter that covers the surface of the cerebral hemisphere.  It is involved in higher brain functions (also referred to as cortical processes)  including visual processing.

Electrode - a solid electric conductor through which an electric current enters or leaves an electrolytic cell or other medium.  It collects or emits electric charge, and is often used for detecting electrical impulses in the brain or muscles or transmitting signals in a bionic device.

Electromagnetic spectrum - the entire range of radiation extending in frequency from approximately 1023 hertz to 0 hertz or, in corresponding wavelengths, from 10-13 centimeter to infinity and including, in order of decreasing frequency, cosmic ray photons, gamma rays, x-rays, ultraviolet radiation, visible light, infrared radiation, microwaves, and radio waves.  It has many uses due to the speed at which it propagates (the speed of light) and because it can be used to transmit great deals of energy or very little (such as radio waves which are virtually harmless at low amplitude).

Ganglia  - a group of nerve cells forming a nerve center, especially one located outside the brain or spinal cord.

Golgi Apparatus, Golgi body, Golgi complex - network of stacked sacs found within nucleated cells that store, package, and distribute the proteins and lipids made in the endoplasmic reticulum.

Neuron (also neurone) - any of the impulse-conducting cells that constitute the brain, spinal column, and nerves, consisting of a nucleated cell body with one or more dendrites and a single axon. Also called nerve cells, they are essential to the transmission of electrical impulses through the body which is the basis for communication between the body parts and the processing center, the brain.

Prosthesis, prostheses - an artificial device used to replace a missing body part, such as a limb, a tooth, an eye, or a heart valve.  Some are mere attachments, while sensory prostheses respond to the electrical impulses sent to muscles and allow for limited control of an artificial device for actions such as raising and arm and contracting and opening an artificial hand.
 

Quantum mechanics – it is a mathematical explanation for the behavior of electrons in atoms based on quantum theory, which states that the atomic particles are quantized, having discrete properties; energy levels, rotational energies, etc.  It is an explanation for many observed phenomena and for explaining the natural world.  Understanding of quantum mechanics allow for explanations of atomic properties and wave-particle duality, and provides an understanding of the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter.

Retina - a delicate, multi-layered, light-sensitive membrane lining the inner eyeball and connected by the optic nerve to the brain.  It is composed of many layers including one containing the rods and cones, and functions as the immediate instrument of vision by receiving the image formed by the lens and converting it into chemical and nervous signals which reach the brain by way of the optic nerve

Spindle - contains fibers which form a network of achromatic filaments that extend inward from the poles of a dividing cell, forming a spindle-shaped figure.  They move the centromeres around, causing the rest of each chromosome to follow. This process ensures that each chromosome moves to its proper place during mitosis, when a cell divides to give rise to two cells, and during meiosis, the process of cell division that gives rise to eggs or sperm.

Sensorineural - of, relating to, or involving the sensory nerves, especially as they affect the hearing.  In sensorineural deafness, the sensory nerves are unable to send sound produced signals to the brain, thus causing a lack of hearing referred to as sensorineural deafness.

Spectroscopy - study of spectra, especially experimental observation of optical spectra.  It has been the basis of modern quantum physics, and provides an understanding of the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter.

Tendon - a band of tough, inelastic fibrous tissue that connects a muscle with its bony attachment.

Next  Section

Contents:

  Home   Introduction   Prostheses   Cochlear Ear   Artificial Eyes   Conclusion   Glossary   Links   References