Researchers Have Developed a "Bionic Arm

question 76

Essay

Researchers have developed a "bionic arm." This technology is possible primarily because of two facts of amputation. First, the motor cortex still sends out control signals even if certain voluntary muscles are no longer there to innervate. Second, when doctors amputate a limb, they do not remove all the nerves that once carried signals to the muscles in that limb. If those nerve endings can be redirected to a working muscle group, and the person thinks "grab the handle and turn," then the brain will send out corresponding signals to the nerves and communicate with the new limb. Based on your knowledge of voluntary motor tasks, explain how this technology is possible.

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Definitions:

Comprehensive Income

The total change in equity for a reporting period other than from transactions with owners, including all revenues, gains, expenses, and losses.

Dividends Per Share

The total amount of dividends declared by a company for each share of its stock, indicating the income investors receive from holding shares in the company.

Financial Leverage

The use of borrowed funds to increase one's investment potential, which can magnify both gains and losses.