Definition: Advantages: System Overview: • ANS in the US BioMEMS Device for assessment of Autonomic Nervous System Ahmed Kamal PhD Tennessee Technological University College of Engineering, MET Cookeville, TN 38505 Definition: – “The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is the part of the peripheral nervous system that acts as a control system. Maintaining homeostasis in the body. The ANS has far reaching effects, including: heart rate, digestion, respiration rate, salivation, perspiration, diameter of the pupils, micturition (the discharge of urine), and sexual arousal.”() • ANS in the US – During 1999 – 2005, 1752 people in US died from ANS disorders – While hundreds are dying, many more are suffering – The number of people suffering or dying from ANS disorders increases with the number of people with cancer near the lower brains Focus Area: Uncontrolled Blood Pressure • What helps control the blood pressure? – “Baroreceptors in the human body detect thepressure of blood flowing through them, and can send messages to the central nervous system to increase or decrease total peripheral resistance and cardiac output.” Advantages: – Provides early detection of high/low blood pressure – Allows for fast response to counter change in blood pressure, reducing risk of heart attack or stroke – Primarily uses existing technology – Patient Specific – Records history of blood pressure System Overview: – Blood Pressure Sensor Block – Control Block – Low Blood Pressure Treatment Block – High Blood Pressure Treatment Block