MODULE -3
HUMAN ORGAN SYSTEMS AND BIO DESIGNS
2.1 Brain as a CPU System:
The human brain can be thought of as a highly sophisticated and complex information processing
system, similar to a computer's Central Processing Unit (CPU). Both the brain and CPU receive and process
inputs, store information, and perform calculations to produce outputs. However, there are significant
differences between the two, such as the way they store and process information and the fact that the human
brain has the ability to learn and adapt, while a computer's CPU does not. Additionally, the human brain is
capable of performing tasks such as perception, thought, and emotion, which are beyond the scope of a
computer's CPU.
Table: Comparison Chart
Basis for Comparison Brain Computer
Neurons and synapses ICs, transistors, diodes, capacitors,
Construction
transistors, etc.
Increases each time connecting Increases by adding
Memory growth
synaptic links more memory chips
Backup system is constructed
Backup systems Built-in backup system
manually
100 teraflops (100 trillion 100 million megabytes
Memory power
calculations/seconds)
Memory density 10 circuits/cm 3 7 1014 bits/cm3
Energy consumption 1 12 12 watts of power Gigawatts of power
Stored in electrochemical and Stored in numeric and symbolic
Information storage
electric impulses. form (i.e. in binary bits).
3
The brain's volume is 1500 cm Variable weight and size form few
Size and weight and weight is around 3.3 pounds. grams to tons.
Transmission of Uses chemicals to fire the action Communication is achieved
information potential in the neurons. through electrical coded signals.
Information processing
Low High
power
Keyboards, mouse, web
Input/output equipment Sensory organs
cameras, etc.
Structural organization Self-organized Pre-programmed structure
Parallelism Massive Limited
Reliability and Computers perform a
damageability properties Brain is self-organizing,
selfmaintaining and reliable. monotonous job and
can't correct itself.
, 2.1.1 Architecture
The architecture of the human brain as a CPU system can be compared to that of a parallel distributed
processing system, as opposed to the Von Neumann architecture of traditional computers.
Figure: Comparison between Brains Computing System with Conventional Von Neumann Computing
System
In the human brain, information is processed in a distributed manner across multiple regions, each with
specialized functions, rather than being processed sequentially in a single centralized location.
Just like how a computer's CPU has an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) to perform mathematical
calculations, the human brain has specialized regions for processing mathematical and logical operations. The
prefrontal cortex, for example, is responsible for higher-level cognitive functions such as decision making and
problem solving.
Figure: Schematic representation of the f Rontal lobesof brain
Similarly, a computer's CPU also has memory units for storing information, and the
human brain has several regions dedicated to memory storage, including the hippocampus and amygdala
, 2.1.2 CNS and PNS
The Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) are the two main
components of the nervous system in the human body.
Figure: Representation of CNS and PNS
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.
Figure: Representation of function of somatic nervous system
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements, while the autonomic nervous system
controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration.
, 2.1.3 Signal Transmission
Signal transmission in the brain occurs through the firing of nerve cells, or neurons.
Figure: Representing the process of transmission of information through nerve cells (synaptic transmission)
A neuron receives inputs from other neurons at its dendrites, integrates the information, and then
generates an electrical impulse, or action potential, that travels down its axon to the synaptic terminals. At the
synaptic terminals, the neuron releases chemical neurotransmitters, which cross the synaptic gap and bind to
receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, leading to the initiation of another action potential in the postsynaptic
neuron.
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.
Signal transmission in the brain is also influenced by various forms of synaptic plasticity, including
long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), which can modify the strength of synaptic
connections and contribute to learning and memory processes.
2.1.4 EEG
EEG stands for electroencephalography, which is a non-invasive 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 are recorded through electrodes placed on the scalp and the resulting
EEG pattern provides information about the synchronized electrical activity of large populations of neurons.
Figure: Representing EEG
HUMAN ORGAN SYSTEMS AND BIO DESIGNS
2.1 Brain as a CPU System:
The human brain can be thought of as a highly sophisticated and complex information processing
system, similar to a computer's Central Processing Unit (CPU). Both the brain and CPU receive and process
inputs, store information, and perform calculations to produce outputs. However, there are significant
differences between the two, such as the way they store and process information and the fact that the human
brain has the ability to learn and adapt, while a computer's CPU does not. Additionally, the human brain is
capable of performing tasks such as perception, thought, and emotion, which are beyond the scope of a
computer's CPU.
Table: Comparison Chart
Basis for Comparison Brain Computer
Neurons and synapses ICs, transistors, diodes, capacitors,
Construction
transistors, etc.
Increases each time connecting Increases by adding
Memory growth
synaptic links more memory chips
Backup system is constructed
Backup systems Built-in backup system
manually
100 teraflops (100 trillion 100 million megabytes
Memory power
calculations/seconds)
Memory density 10 circuits/cm 3 7 1014 bits/cm3
Energy consumption 1 12 12 watts of power Gigawatts of power
Stored in electrochemical and Stored in numeric and symbolic
Information storage
electric impulses. form (i.e. in binary bits).
3
The brain's volume is 1500 cm Variable weight and size form few
Size and weight and weight is around 3.3 pounds. grams to tons.
Transmission of Uses chemicals to fire the action Communication is achieved
information potential in the neurons. through electrical coded signals.
Information processing
Low High
power
Keyboards, mouse, web
Input/output equipment Sensory organs
cameras, etc.
Structural organization Self-organized Pre-programmed structure
Parallelism Massive Limited
Reliability and Computers perform a
damageability properties Brain is self-organizing,
selfmaintaining and reliable. monotonous job and
can't correct itself.
, 2.1.1 Architecture
The architecture of the human brain as a CPU system can be compared to that of a parallel distributed
processing system, as opposed to the Von Neumann architecture of traditional computers.
Figure: Comparison between Brains Computing System with Conventional Von Neumann Computing
System
In the human brain, information is processed in a distributed manner across multiple regions, each with
specialized functions, rather than being processed sequentially in a single centralized location.
Just like how a computer's CPU has an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) to perform mathematical
calculations, the human brain has specialized regions for processing mathematical and logical operations. The
prefrontal cortex, for example, is responsible for higher-level cognitive functions such as decision making and
problem solving.
Figure: Schematic representation of the f Rontal lobesof brain
Similarly, a computer's CPU also has memory units for storing information, and the
human brain has several regions dedicated to memory storage, including the hippocampus and amygdala
, 2.1.2 CNS and PNS
The Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) are the two main
components of the nervous system in the human body.
Figure: Representation of CNS and PNS
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.
Figure: Representation of function of somatic nervous system
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements, while the autonomic nervous system
controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration.
, 2.1.3 Signal Transmission
Signal transmission in the brain occurs through the firing of nerve cells, or neurons.
Figure: Representing the process of transmission of information through nerve cells (synaptic transmission)
A neuron receives inputs from other neurons at its dendrites, integrates the information, and then
generates an electrical impulse, or action potential, that travels down its axon to the synaptic terminals. At the
synaptic terminals, the neuron releases chemical neurotransmitters, which cross the synaptic gap and bind to
receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, leading to the initiation of another action potential in the postsynaptic
neuron.
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.
Signal transmission in the brain is also influenced by various forms of synaptic plasticity, including
long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), which can modify the strength of synaptic
connections and contribute to learning and memory processes.
2.1.4 EEG
EEG stands for electroencephalography, which is a non-invasive 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 are recorded through electrodes placed on the scalp and the resulting
EEG pattern provides information about the synchronized electrical activity of large populations of neurons.
Figure: Representing EEG
