Types of Biological Signals
Module 279 18 B Medical Instrumentation I
Unit B 13.1 Measuring Biological Signals
o Physiological signals
 temperature
 blood parameters
 respiration parameters
o Bioelectrical signals
 ECG
 EEG
 EMG
o Biochemical signals
 pH
 electrolytes
 metabolites
 haematocrit
13.1.1 Classify types of Biological Signals
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
©
Physiological Signals: Temperature
Biological Signals
What is the importance
of body temperature?
Body temperature is important because it keeps the body functioning
properly. If body temperature falls too low then respiration happens too
slowly and you die. If your body temperature goes too high then the
enzymes in your blood denature so they can not catalyse respiration and
other processes that go on around your body.
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
How is the body temperature
kept constant?
Temperature receptors in the skin detect changes in the external temperature. They
pass this information to the hypothalamus, the processing centre in the brain that
controls body temperature. It does this by triggering changes to effectors, such as
sweat glands and muscles controlling body hair.
In healthy adults, the range of normal temperatures for
• oral measurement is 33.2–38.2 °C,
• rectal measurement is 34.4–37.8 °C
• ear drum measurement is 35.4–37.8 °C
• for the armpit it is 35.5–37.0 °C
Extremities may become colder than the ‘core’ temperature (see figure)
What is a normal level of
body temperature?
©
Temperature and Fever
Biological Signals
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
What is Fever? Fever is defined as a body
temperature above the normal
range. Fevers do not typically go
higher than 41 to 42 °C.
Fever can be caused by many medical conditions, potentially serious. This includes viral,
bacterial and parasitic infections such as the common cold, urinary tract infections, meningitis,
malaria and appendicitis. Non-infectious causes include vasculitis, deep vein thrombosis, side
effects of medication, and cancer.
Causes of Fever
Treatment to reduce fever is not required.Treatment however, may increase comfort and help a
person rest. Measures such as putting a cool damp cloth on the forehead and having a slightly warm
bath may help.Medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol may also be effective at lowering the
temperature.
Children younger than three months with a fever should be medically assessed.
Treatment of Fever
©
Temperature, Fever and Hypothermia
Biological Signals
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
Fever is a signal,
not a disease.
Fever is one of the most common medical signs. It is part of about 30% of healthcare visits
by children and occurs in up to 75% of adults who are seriously sick. While fever is a useful
defense mechanism; treating fever does not appear to worsen outcomes.
Hypothermia In hypothermia, body temperature drops below that
required for normal bodily functions. This is usually due
to excessive exposure to cold air or water, but it can
be deliberately induced as a medical treatment.
Symptoms usually appear when the body's core
temperature drops by 1-2 °C below normal temperature.
©
Physiological Signals: Blood
Biological Signals
What is the normal
composition of blood?
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
What is blood? Blood is a body fluid that delivers necessary substances
such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells and transports
metabolic waste products away from those same cells.
When it reaches the lungs, gas exchange occurs: carbon
dioxide is diffused out of the blood into the pulmonary
alveoli and oxygen is diffused into the blood.
An adult person contains about 5 litres of blood. Vertebrate
blood is bright red when its hemoglobin is oxygenated and
dark red when it is deoxygenated.
Human blood is composed of blood cells suspended in blood
plasma (55%). Plasma is mostly water (92%) and contains
proteins, glucose, mineral ions, hormones and blood cells
themselves. The blood cells are mainly red blood cells, white
blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin,
an iron-containing protein, which facilitates oxygen transport.
©
Blood disorders and tests
Biological Signals
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
Blood disorders
Hematology is the study of blood in health and disease.
A hematologist is a medical doctor who applies this specialized knowledge to treat patients with blood conditions.
What is a
blood test?
A blood test is a laboratory (biochemical) analysis performed on
a blood sample that is usually extracted from a vein in the arm
using a needle, or via fingerprick. Multiple tests for specific blood
components (such as a glucose test or a cholesterol test) are
often grouped together into one test panel called a blood
panel or blood work. Blood tests are also used in drug tests to
detect drug abuse.
People may be affected by many different types of blood
conditions and blood cancers. Common blood disorders include:
• anemia
• bleeding disorders such as haemophilia, blood clots
• blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and
myeloma
©
Physiological Signals: Respiration
Biological Signals
What is Breathing?
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
Breathing or ventilation is the process
that moves air in and out of the lungs.
It is due to the contraction and
flattening of the diaphragm, a domed
muscle that separates thorax and
abdomen.
What is Respiration? Respiration is the exchange of
gasses between surrounding air and
the blood in the body. It is required
to oxygenate blood for distribution
to the cells of the body and remove
carbon dioxide from the blood. It is
achieved by combining breathing
and blood circulation.
©
Respiration disorders
Biological Signals
Breathing Problems
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
Many breathing problems are chronic (long term).
These include:
• chronic sinusitis,
• allergies,
• asthma,
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD,
including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
• lung cancer,
• tuberculosis,
• pneumonia,
• lung disease related to HIV/AIDS.
©
Respiration Tests and Remedies
Biological Signals
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
Respiratory tests include:
• spirometry: measuring how much air
you can blow out of your lungs and how
fast you can blow it.
• Imaging X-ray or CT (for pneumonia)
• allergy tests
An inhaler (or puffer) is a medical device used for delivering medication
into the body via the lungs. It is mainly used in the treatment
of asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
©
Bio-electrical signals
Biological Signals
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
Bioelectric potentials are generated by a variety of biological processes and generally range in strength
from one to a few hundred millivolts. Bioelectric current consists of a flow of ions (i.e., electrically charged
atoms or molecules), whereas the electric current used for lighting, communication, or power is a
movement of electrons.
The cell membrane separating inside
from outside is semi-permeable,
allowing certain ions to pass through
while blocking others.
In particular, nerve- and muscle-cell
membranes are slightly permeable
to positive potassium (K+
) ions, which
diffuse outward, leaving a net
negative charge in the cell.
©
Bio-electrical signals
Biological Signals
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
Why is there electrical
activity in the body?
Nerves send electric signals throughout the body to coordinate activities. Nerve
(neuron) signals instruct muscles to contract, transport sensory signals to the
brain and signal a lot of data that we are not aware of. Also muscle activity
(contraction) is associated with electrical (biochemical) activity.
©
Bio-electrical signals: ECG
Biological Signals
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
Electrocardiography (ECG) is the process of recording the
electrical activity of the heart over a period of time using
electrodes placed on a patient's body. These electrodes detect
the tiny electrical changes on the skin that arise from the heart
muscle depolarizing during each heartbeat.
During each heartbeat, a healthy heart will have an orderly
progression of depolarization that
• starts with pacemaker cells in the sino-atrial node,
• spreads out through the atrium,
• passes through the atrio-ventricular node and
• spreads throughout the ventricles.
This orderly pattern of depolarization gives rise to the
characteristic ECG tracing.
©
ECG and Electrode Positioning
Biological Signals
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
An ECG can be used to
• measure the rate and rhythm of heartbeats,
• the size and position of the heart chambers,
• the presence of any damage to the heart's
muscle cells or conduction system,
• the effects of cardiac drugs, and
• the function of implanted pacemakers.
ECG with 3 electrodes
on 3 limbs
ECG with 10 electrodes
give more detail
©
Atrial fibrillation
Bio-electrical signals: EEG
Biological Signals
What is an EEG signal? An ElectroEncephaloGraphy signal is generated by the electrical activity from the many
neurons in the brain.
EEG’s signals are difficult to interpret in general. However, they have a clear correlation
with some conditions of the brain, such as sleep/wakefulness (depth of anaesthesia),
epileptic attacks, presence of tumours, and multiple sclerosis, and death.
Absence of EEG signals is a definition of clinical brain death.
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
epileptic patterns
©
Bio-electrical signals: EEG
Biological Signals
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
What are the challenges
in acquiring an EEG
signal?
• Very weak signals (low signal to noise ratio)
• Disturbance by muscle activity
• Pay attention to: grounding, shielding
What electrodes are used
for acquiring an EEG signal?
• Surface electrodes, attached to the skull with a conducting viscous paste
• Usually 10-20 electrodes divided over the skull (at precisely defined
locations)
©
Bio-electrical signals: EMG
Biological Signals
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
ElectroMyoGraphy (EMG) is an technique for
evaluating and recording the electrical activity
produced by (activated) skeletal muscles. EMG
is performed using an instrument called an
electromyograph, to produce a record called
an electromyogram.
EMG is used as a diagnostics tool for identifying neuromuscular diseases, or
as a research tool for studying disorders of motor control. EMG signals are
also used as a control signal for prosthetic (artificial) devices such as
prosthetic hands, arms, and lower limbs.
A muscle can easily be stimulated by applying a small electric stimulus near
the nerve that activates the muscle. This can help to diagnose nerve
conduction abnormalities.
©
What is an EMG signal?
Surface EMG and Intra-muscular EMG
Biological Signals
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
Surface EMG
assesses muscle function by recording muscle activity from the surface above
the muscle on the skin. Surface electrodes are able to provide only a limited
assessment of the muscle activity. Surface EMG can be recorded by a pair of
electrodes or by a more complex array of multiple electrodes. More than one
electrode is needed because EMG recordings display the voltage difference
between two separate electrodes.
Limitations of skin EMG are the fact that surface electrode recordings are
restricted to superficial muscles and cannot reliably discriminate between
the discharges of adjacent muscles.
Intra-muscular (Needle) EMG
is used in nerve conduction studies, typically indicated when there is
pain in the limbs, weakness from spinal nerve compression, or concern
about some other neurologic injury or disorder. The simplest approach
uses a mono-polar needle electrode.
©
Bio-chemical signals
Biological Signals
What is Bio-chemical? What relates to the chemical processes and substances
which occur within living organisms. Around two dozen of
the 92 naturally occurring chemical elements are essential
to various kinds of biological life.
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
The main focus of biochemistry is in understanding how biological molecules give
rise to the processes that occur within living cells, which in turn relates greatly to
the understanding of whole organisms.
Much of biochemistry deals with the structures, functions and interactions of
biological macro-molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids,
which provide the structure of cells and perform many of the functions associated
with life.
The chemistry of the cell also depends on the reactions of smaller molecules and
ions. These can be inorganic, for example water and metal ions, or organic, for
example the amino acids which are used to synthesize proteins.
©
Bio-chemical signals: pH
Biological Signals
What is the pH?
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
The pH is a measure of the concentration of
the hydrogen ion (H) in an aqueous solution.
Solutions with a pH less than 7 are said to be
acidic and solutions with a pH greater than 7
are basic or alkaline. Pure water has a pH of
7.
As humans, a normal pH of most tissues and fluids of the body (except the
stomach, pH=1) is slightly alkaline. The most critical pH is in the blood. All other
organs and fluids will fluctuate in their range in order to keep the blood a strict pH
between 7.35 and 7.45 (slightly alkaline). This process is called homeostasis.
Many chemical reactions are critically dependent on the pH in their environment.
Deviations in pH therefore can cause serious problems. The pH of various tissues
can be measured in a laboratory.
©
Bio-chemical signals: Electrolytes
Biological Signals
What are electrolytes?
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
Electrolytes affect the amount of water
in your body, the acidity of your blood
(pH), your muscle function, and other
important processes. You lose
electrolytes when you sweat.
Electrolytes are minerals in your blood
and other body fluids that carry an
electric charge.
Electrolytes can be measured by laboratory studies of the blood in different ways.
Each electrolyte can be ordered as a separate test.
©
NaCl(s) →
Na+(aq) + Cl−(aq)
An electrolyte is a substance that
ionizes when dissolved in solvents such
as water.
signal conduction in nerve cells
Bio-chemical signals: Electrolytes
Biological Signals
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
All known higher lifeforms require a subtle and complex electrolyte
balance between the intracellular and extracellular environment. In
particular, the maintenance of precise osmotic gradients of
electrolytes is important. Such gradients affect and regulate the
hydration of the body as well as blood pH, and are critical for nerve
and muscle function. Various mechanisms exist in living species that
keep the concentrations of different electrolytes under tight control.
Electrolytes may enter or leave the cell membrane through specialized protein structures embedded in the plasma
membrane called ion channels. For example, muscle contraction is dependent upon the presence of calcium (Ca2+),
sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+). Without sufficient levels of these key electrolytes, muscle weakness or severe
muscle contractions may occur.
Both muscle tissue and neurons are considered electric tissues of the
body. Muscles and neurons are activated by electrolyte activity between
the extracellular fluid or interstitial fluid, and intracellular fluid.
©
Bio-chemical signals: Electrolytes
Biological Signals
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
In oral rehydration therapy, electrolyte drinks containing sodium and potassium salts replenish
the body's water and electrolyte levels after dehydration caused by exercise, excessive alcohol
consumption, diaphoresis (heavy sweating), diarrhea, vomiting, intoxication or starvation.
Electrolytes are commonly found in fruit juices, coconut water, sports drinks, milk, nuts, and
many fruits and vegetables (e.g. potatoes, avocados).
A home-made electrolyte drink can be made by using water, sugar and salt in precise proportions
Electrolyte balance is maintained by oral, or in emergencies,
intravenous (IV) intake of electrolyte-containing substances, and is
regulated by hormones, in general with the kidneys flushing out
excess levels.
Serious electrolyte disturbances, such as dehydration and over-
hydration, may lead to cardiac and neurological complications and,
unless they are rapidly resolved, will result in a medical emergency.
©
Bio-chemical signals: Metabolites
Biological Signals
A metabolite is any substance produced during metabolism (digestion or
other bodily chemical processes). Metabolites are produced by the cell
because they are indispensable for their growth. Examples are amino
acids, alcohols, vitamins (B2 and B12), and organic acids.
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
Metabolites have various functions, such as
• fuel,
• structure,
• signalling,
• stimulatory and inhibitory effects on enzymes.
Metabolism ("change") is the set of all life-sustaining chemical trans-
formations within the cells of living organisms. These reactions allow
organisms to grow and reproduce, maintain their structures, and respond to
their environments.
©
Bio-chemical signals: Haematocrit
Biological Signals
dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015
Haematocrit is considered an integral part of a person's complete blood count results,
along with hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count, and platelet count.
The haematocrit (Ht, HCT) is the volume percentage (%)
of red blood cells in blood. It is normally 45% for men and
40% for women. It is one of the factors that determine the
blood’s capability to deliver oxygen.
Also, a deviating value for Haematocrit may be a sign of
underlying disease
Anemia refers to an abnormally low haematocrit, as opposed
to poly-cythemia, which refers to an abnormally high
haematocrit.
With modern lab equipment, the haematocrit is measured by an automated analyser.
©
What is haematocrit?
END
The creation of this presentation was supported by a grant from THET:
see https://www.thet.org/

Medical Instrumentation -I Biological Signals .pptx

  • 1.
    Types of BiologicalSignals Module 279 18 B Medical Instrumentation I Unit B 13.1 Measuring Biological Signals o Physiological signals  temperature  blood parameters  respiration parameters o Bioelectrical signals  ECG  EEG  EMG o Biochemical signals  pH  electrolytes  metabolites  haematocrit 13.1.1 Classify types of Biological Signals dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 ©
  • 2.
    Physiological Signals: Temperature BiologicalSignals What is the importance of body temperature? Body temperature is important because it keeps the body functioning properly. If body temperature falls too low then respiration happens too slowly and you die. If your body temperature goes too high then the enzymes in your blood denature so they can not catalyse respiration and other processes that go on around your body. dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 How is the body temperature kept constant? Temperature receptors in the skin detect changes in the external temperature. They pass this information to the hypothalamus, the processing centre in the brain that controls body temperature. It does this by triggering changes to effectors, such as sweat glands and muscles controlling body hair. In healthy adults, the range of normal temperatures for • oral measurement is 33.2–38.2 °C, • rectal measurement is 34.4–37.8 °C • ear drum measurement is 35.4–37.8 °C • for the armpit it is 35.5–37.0 °C Extremities may become colder than the ‘core’ temperature (see figure) What is a normal level of body temperature? ©
  • 3.
    Temperature and Fever BiologicalSignals dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 What is Fever? Fever is defined as a body temperature above the normal range. Fevers do not typically go higher than 41 to 42 °C. Fever can be caused by many medical conditions, potentially serious. This includes viral, bacterial and parasitic infections such as the common cold, urinary tract infections, meningitis, malaria and appendicitis. Non-infectious causes include vasculitis, deep vein thrombosis, side effects of medication, and cancer. Causes of Fever Treatment to reduce fever is not required.Treatment however, may increase comfort and help a person rest. Measures such as putting a cool damp cloth on the forehead and having a slightly warm bath may help.Medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol may also be effective at lowering the temperature. Children younger than three months with a fever should be medically assessed. Treatment of Fever ©
  • 4.
    Temperature, Fever andHypothermia Biological Signals dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Fever is a signal, not a disease. Fever is one of the most common medical signs. It is part of about 30% of healthcare visits by children and occurs in up to 75% of adults who are seriously sick. While fever is a useful defense mechanism; treating fever does not appear to worsen outcomes. Hypothermia In hypothermia, body temperature drops below that required for normal bodily functions. This is usually due to excessive exposure to cold air or water, but it can be deliberately induced as a medical treatment. Symptoms usually appear when the body's core temperature drops by 1-2 °C below normal temperature. ©
  • 5.
    Physiological Signals: Blood BiologicalSignals What is the normal composition of blood? dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 What is blood? Blood is a body fluid that delivers necessary substances such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells and transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells. When it reaches the lungs, gas exchange occurs: carbon dioxide is diffused out of the blood into the pulmonary alveoli and oxygen is diffused into the blood. An adult person contains about 5 litres of blood. Vertebrate blood is bright red when its hemoglobin is oxygenated and dark red when it is deoxygenated. Human blood is composed of blood cells suspended in blood plasma (55%). Plasma is mostly water (92%) and contains proteins, glucose, mineral ions, hormones and blood cells themselves. The blood cells are mainly red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein, which facilitates oxygen transport. ©
  • 6.
    Blood disorders andtests Biological Signals dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Blood disorders Hematology is the study of blood in health and disease. A hematologist is a medical doctor who applies this specialized knowledge to treat patients with blood conditions. What is a blood test? A blood test is a laboratory (biochemical) analysis performed on a blood sample that is usually extracted from a vein in the arm using a needle, or via fingerprick. Multiple tests for specific blood components (such as a glucose test or a cholesterol test) are often grouped together into one test panel called a blood panel or blood work. Blood tests are also used in drug tests to detect drug abuse. People may be affected by many different types of blood conditions and blood cancers. Common blood disorders include: • anemia • bleeding disorders such as haemophilia, blood clots • blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma ©
  • 7.
    Physiological Signals: Respiration BiologicalSignals What is Breathing? dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Breathing or ventilation is the process that moves air in and out of the lungs. It is due to the contraction and flattening of the diaphragm, a domed muscle that separates thorax and abdomen. What is Respiration? Respiration is the exchange of gasses between surrounding air and the blood in the body. It is required to oxygenate blood for distribution to the cells of the body and remove carbon dioxide from the blood. It is achieved by combining breathing and blood circulation. ©
  • 8.
    Respiration disorders Biological Signals BreathingProblems dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Many breathing problems are chronic (long term). These include: • chronic sinusitis, • allergies, • asthma, • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. • lung cancer, • tuberculosis, • pneumonia, • lung disease related to HIV/AIDS. ©
  • 9.
    Respiration Tests andRemedies Biological Signals dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Respiratory tests include: • spirometry: measuring how much air you can blow out of your lungs and how fast you can blow it. • Imaging X-ray or CT (for pneumonia) • allergy tests An inhaler (or puffer) is a medical device used for delivering medication into the body via the lungs. It is mainly used in the treatment of asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). ©
  • 10.
    Bio-electrical signals Biological Signals dr.Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Bioelectric potentials are generated by a variety of biological processes and generally range in strength from one to a few hundred millivolts. Bioelectric current consists of a flow of ions (i.e., electrically charged atoms or molecules), whereas the electric current used for lighting, communication, or power is a movement of electrons. The cell membrane separating inside from outside is semi-permeable, allowing certain ions to pass through while blocking others. In particular, nerve- and muscle-cell membranes are slightly permeable to positive potassium (K+ ) ions, which diffuse outward, leaving a net negative charge in the cell. ©
  • 11.
    Bio-electrical signals Biological Signals dr.Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Why is there electrical activity in the body? Nerves send electric signals throughout the body to coordinate activities. Nerve (neuron) signals instruct muscles to contract, transport sensory signals to the brain and signal a lot of data that we are not aware of. Also muscle activity (contraction) is associated with electrical (biochemical) activity. ©
  • 12.
    Bio-electrical signals: ECG BiologicalSignals dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Electrocardiography (ECG) is the process of recording the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time using electrodes placed on a patient's body. These electrodes detect the tiny electrical changes on the skin that arise from the heart muscle depolarizing during each heartbeat. During each heartbeat, a healthy heart will have an orderly progression of depolarization that • starts with pacemaker cells in the sino-atrial node, • spreads out through the atrium, • passes through the atrio-ventricular node and • spreads throughout the ventricles. This orderly pattern of depolarization gives rise to the characteristic ECG tracing. ©
  • 13.
    ECG and ElectrodePositioning Biological Signals dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 An ECG can be used to • measure the rate and rhythm of heartbeats, • the size and position of the heart chambers, • the presence of any damage to the heart's muscle cells or conduction system, • the effects of cardiac drugs, and • the function of implanted pacemakers. ECG with 3 electrodes on 3 limbs ECG with 10 electrodes give more detail © Atrial fibrillation
  • 14.
    Bio-electrical signals: EEG BiologicalSignals What is an EEG signal? An ElectroEncephaloGraphy signal is generated by the electrical activity from the many neurons in the brain. EEG’s signals are difficult to interpret in general. However, they have a clear correlation with some conditions of the brain, such as sleep/wakefulness (depth of anaesthesia), epileptic attacks, presence of tumours, and multiple sclerosis, and death. Absence of EEG signals is a definition of clinical brain death. dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 epileptic patterns ©
  • 15.
    Bio-electrical signals: EEG BiologicalSignals dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 What are the challenges in acquiring an EEG signal? • Very weak signals (low signal to noise ratio) • Disturbance by muscle activity • Pay attention to: grounding, shielding What electrodes are used for acquiring an EEG signal? • Surface electrodes, attached to the skull with a conducting viscous paste • Usually 10-20 electrodes divided over the skull (at precisely defined locations) ©
  • 16.
    Bio-electrical signals: EMG BiologicalSignals dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 ElectroMyoGraphy (EMG) is an technique for evaluating and recording the electrical activity produced by (activated) skeletal muscles. EMG is performed using an instrument called an electromyograph, to produce a record called an electromyogram. EMG is used as a diagnostics tool for identifying neuromuscular diseases, or as a research tool for studying disorders of motor control. EMG signals are also used as a control signal for prosthetic (artificial) devices such as prosthetic hands, arms, and lower limbs. A muscle can easily be stimulated by applying a small electric stimulus near the nerve that activates the muscle. This can help to diagnose nerve conduction abnormalities. © What is an EMG signal?
  • 17.
    Surface EMG andIntra-muscular EMG Biological Signals dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Surface EMG assesses muscle function by recording muscle activity from the surface above the muscle on the skin. Surface electrodes are able to provide only a limited assessment of the muscle activity. Surface EMG can be recorded by a pair of electrodes or by a more complex array of multiple electrodes. More than one electrode is needed because EMG recordings display the voltage difference between two separate electrodes. Limitations of skin EMG are the fact that surface electrode recordings are restricted to superficial muscles and cannot reliably discriminate between the discharges of adjacent muscles. Intra-muscular (Needle) EMG is used in nerve conduction studies, typically indicated when there is pain in the limbs, weakness from spinal nerve compression, or concern about some other neurologic injury or disorder. The simplest approach uses a mono-polar needle electrode. ©
  • 18.
    Bio-chemical signals Biological Signals Whatis Bio-chemical? What relates to the chemical processes and substances which occur within living organisms. Around two dozen of the 92 naturally occurring chemical elements are essential to various kinds of biological life. dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 The main focus of biochemistry is in understanding how biological molecules give rise to the processes that occur within living cells, which in turn relates greatly to the understanding of whole organisms. Much of biochemistry deals with the structures, functions and interactions of biological macro-molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids, which provide the structure of cells and perform many of the functions associated with life. The chemistry of the cell also depends on the reactions of smaller molecules and ions. These can be inorganic, for example water and metal ions, or organic, for example the amino acids which are used to synthesize proteins. ©
  • 19.
    Bio-chemical signals: pH BiologicalSignals What is the pH? dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 The pH is a measure of the concentration of the hydrogen ion (H) in an aqueous solution. Solutions with a pH less than 7 are said to be acidic and solutions with a pH greater than 7 are basic or alkaline. Pure water has a pH of 7. As humans, a normal pH of most tissues and fluids of the body (except the stomach, pH=1) is slightly alkaline. The most critical pH is in the blood. All other organs and fluids will fluctuate in their range in order to keep the blood a strict pH between 7.35 and 7.45 (slightly alkaline). This process is called homeostasis. Many chemical reactions are critically dependent on the pH in their environment. Deviations in pH therefore can cause serious problems. The pH of various tissues can be measured in a laboratory. ©
  • 20.
    Bio-chemical signals: Electrolytes BiologicalSignals What are electrolytes? dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Electrolytes affect the amount of water in your body, the acidity of your blood (pH), your muscle function, and other important processes. You lose electrolytes when you sweat. Electrolytes are minerals in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge. Electrolytes can be measured by laboratory studies of the blood in different ways. Each electrolyte can be ordered as a separate test. © NaCl(s) → Na+(aq) + Cl−(aq) An electrolyte is a substance that ionizes when dissolved in solvents such as water.
  • 21.
    signal conduction innerve cells Bio-chemical signals: Electrolytes Biological Signals dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 All known higher lifeforms require a subtle and complex electrolyte balance between the intracellular and extracellular environment. In particular, the maintenance of precise osmotic gradients of electrolytes is important. Such gradients affect and regulate the hydration of the body as well as blood pH, and are critical for nerve and muscle function. Various mechanisms exist in living species that keep the concentrations of different electrolytes under tight control. Electrolytes may enter or leave the cell membrane through specialized protein structures embedded in the plasma membrane called ion channels. For example, muscle contraction is dependent upon the presence of calcium (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+). Without sufficient levels of these key electrolytes, muscle weakness or severe muscle contractions may occur. Both muscle tissue and neurons are considered electric tissues of the body. Muscles and neurons are activated by electrolyte activity between the extracellular fluid or interstitial fluid, and intracellular fluid. ©
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    Bio-chemical signals: Electrolytes BiologicalSignals dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 In oral rehydration therapy, electrolyte drinks containing sodium and potassium salts replenish the body's water and electrolyte levels after dehydration caused by exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, diaphoresis (heavy sweating), diarrhea, vomiting, intoxication or starvation. Electrolytes are commonly found in fruit juices, coconut water, sports drinks, milk, nuts, and many fruits and vegetables (e.g. potatoes, avocados). A home-made electrolyte drink can be made by using water, sugar and salt in precise proportions Electrolyte balance is maintained by oral, or in emergencies, intravenous (IV) intake of electrolyte-containing substances, and is regulated by hormones, in general with the kidneys flushing out excess levels. Serious electrolyte disturbances, such as dehydration and over- hydration, may lead to cardiac and neurological complications and, unless they are rapidly resolved, will result in a medical emergency. ©
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    Bio-chemical signals: Metabolites BiologicalSignals A metabolite is any substance produced during metabolism (digestion or other bodily chemical processes). Metabolites are produced by the cell because they are indispensable for their growth. Examples are amino acids, alcohols, vitamins (B2 and B12), and organic acids. dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Metabolites have various functions, such as • fuel, • structure, • signalling, • stimulatory and inhibitory effects on enzymes. Metabolism ("change") is the set of all life-sustaining chemical trans- formations within the cells of living organisms. These reactions allow organisms to grow and reproduce, maintain their structures, and respond to their environments. ©
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    Bio-chemical signals: Haematocrit BiologicalSignals dr. Chris R. Mol, BME, NORTEC, 2015 Haematocrit is considered an integral part of a person's complete blood count results, along with hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count, and platelet count. The haematocrit (Ht, HCT) is the volume percentage (%) of red blood cells in blood. It is normally 45% for men and 40% for women. It is one of the factors that determine the blood’s capability to deliver oxygen. Also, a deviating value for Haematocrit may be a sign of underlying disease Anemia refers to an abnormally low haematocrit, as opposed to poly-cythemia, which refers to an abnormally high haematocrit. With modern lab equipment, the haematocrit is measured by an automated analyser. © What is haematocrit?
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    END The creation ofthis presentation was supported by a grant from THET: see https://www.thet.org/