Reported February 2010

ABOUT THE NERVOUS SYSTEM: The brain is "hardwired" with connections that are made by billions of neurons that make electricity whenever they are stimulated. The electrical patterns are called brain waves. Neurons act like the wires and gates in a computer, gathering and transmitting electrochemical signals over distances as far as several feet. The brain encodes information not by relying on single neurons, but by spreading it across large populations of neurons and by rapidly adapting to new circumstances. Motor neurons carry signals from the central nervous system to the muscles, skin and glands of the body, while sensory neurons carry signals from those outer parts of the body to the central nervous system. Receptors sense things like chemicals, light and sound and encode this information into electrochemical signals transmitted by the sensory neurons. Interneurons tie everything together by connecting the various neurons within the brain and spinal cord. The part of the brain that controls motor skills is located at the ear of the frontal lobe.

HOW DOES THE BRAIN CONTROL A MACHINE? The electrodes at the end of the device are linked to the patient's muscles, which transfer signals to the appropriate parts of the mechanical hand and can move just one finger at a time. This provides patients the dexterity necessary to perform fine motor movements like those required to pick up pieces of paper or small objects.

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