Human Bioengineering Requires an Understanding of Human Systems
"An artificial substitute for a missing part of the body of humans or other animals is called a prosthetic device, or prosthesis. Prosthetic devices include artificial hands, limbs, eyes, ears, and teeth, as well as replacement materials for the heart, kidneys, skin, and blood. The term may also be applied to such devices as eyeglasses, hearing aids, and pacemakers, which do not replace the body part but improve its function." Compton's Encyclopedia Online (Last accessed 3 March 2000)
Bioengineers must understand the basic functions of the body's systems before they can successfully design a prosthetic device. The links below provide information about some of the basic body systems for which replacement parts are available.