Neuroscience in Space

Millard F. Reschke

ISBN 10: 0387789499 / ISBN 13: 9780387789491

Published by Springer New York, Springer New York, 2008

About this Item

Druck auf Anfrage Neuware - Printed after ordering - Why write this book Of all the intricate components of the human body, the central nervous system is the most responsive to the environment, detecting and responding to changes immediately. Its complexity, however, also means that it is still one of nature's best-kept secrets. Considering that the exploration of space is often thought of as the final frontier in the discovery of our origin and the preparation for our future, Neuroscience in Space is a book addressing the last, and greatest, scientific frontier. All living things on Earth have evolved in the presence of gravity and all of their biological systems have anatomical and physiological mechanisms designed to interpret and measure the force of gravity. However, in the near weightlessness of space, the sensory systems that provide basic information regarding linear acceleration no longer function as they did on Earth. As a result, most if not all, physiological systems dependent on the body's central nervous system are in flux until a new microgravity state is realized. This includes adaptation of basic life sustaining functions such as blood pressure control and cardiac function, as well as other critical functions for everyday activities including balance, coordinated movement in three-dimensional space, and the regulation of sleep. Bones that supported body weight on the ground no longer have that load to bear. They begin to lose mass and strength, as do weight-bearing and postural muscles in the legs.

Seller Inventory # 9780387789491

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Neuroscience in Space
• Publisher: Springer New York, Springer New York
• Publication Date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0387789499
• ISBN 13: 9780387789491
• Binding: Taschenbuch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 235W x 178H x 19D millimeters 235 millimeters width by 178 millimeters height by 19 millimeters depth
• Weight: 593 grams

About this title

Synopsis

To be aware of the environment, one must sense or perceive that environment. The body senses the environment by the interaction of specialized sensory organs with some aspect or another of the environment. The central nervous system utilizes these sensations in order to coordinate and organize muscular movements, shift from uncomfortable positions, and adjust properly. One relevant question is what is the relative contribution of gravity to these sensory and motor functions? This book reviews the effects of space flight on the functioning of the sensory organs primarily used for balance and spatial orientation. Disorientation and malaise so frequently encountered during early exposure to microgravity and on return to Earth are described. Theories and actual data regarding the role of the central nervous system in the adaptation of sensory-motor functions (including the control of posture, eye movements, and self-orientation) to changing environmental gravity levels are explored. This book contains many illustrations, including photographs of equipment and experiments flown onboard space missions.

About the Author

Since the first orbital flight of John Glenn, investigations have been conducted on the adaptation of nervous functions to space flight Millard Reschke and Gilles Clément have been active in this research, with experiments flown onboard Salyut, Mir, Spacelab, and 30+ flights of the Space Shuttle . This book presents in a readable text and detailed illustrations the findings from these experiments conducted during and after space missions. The authors also identify the neuroscience research that is foreseen onboard the International Space Station and what do we need to learn to understand fully the implications and risks in this area for a human mission to Mars.