Physiology of Man in Space

Physiology of Man in Space describes the physiological responses of man under the extremes of space flight. This book is composed of eight chapters that specifically examine the physiological responses of astronaut under zero gravity conditions. The introductory chapter demonstrates how human neuromuscular system can withstand the stresses of short-term space travel. The succeeding chapters describe human responses under space acceleration stress. These topics are followed by discussions on human stress tolerance capacity; psychological aspects of space flight; instrumentation in biomedical capsules in space flight; and the phenomenon of space weightlessness. The final chapter deals with the impact of the environment on the man and the impact that the man has on the environment, including environmental, metabolic, and waste removal parameters. This book is of value to space scientists and researchers.

ContributorsPrefaceNeuromuscular Aspects of Space Travel I. Muscles A. Structure B. Method of Action C. Antigravity Muscles D. Microscopic Structure E. Innervation II. Muscular Stresses in Space Flight A. General B. Weightlessness C. High g D. Radiation III. Conclusions ReferencesAcceleration I. The Human Centrifuge II. Subjective Sensations of Acceleration III. Objective Changes during Headward Acceleration A. Effects on the Cardiovascular System B. Cerebral Circulation C. Respiratory Effects D. Summary IV. Footward Acceleration V. Acceleration Perpendicular to the Long Axis of the Body VI. Methods of Protection Against the Effects of Acceleration A. Development of Antiblackout Suits B. Water Immersion C. Protective Devices for Footward and Transverse Acceleration D. Summary VII. Angular Acceleration ReferencesStress I. Stressors, Stress, and Disease II. Stress in Orbital and Space Flight A. Acceleration B. Weightlessness C. Thermal Extremes D. Meteorites E. The Cabin Atmosphere F. Nutritional Problems G. Isolation and Sensory Deprivation H. Ionizing Radiation I. General Medical Emergencies J. Conclusions III. The Pathological Effects of Stress A. Mental Disturbances B. Cardiovascular Disorders C. Gastrointestinal Disorders D. Infectious Diseases and Inflammation IV. Summary ReferencesHuman Tolerances I. Psychophysiological Stress II. Tolerance for Gravitational Forces A. Acceleration B. Deceleration Tolerance and Effects of Weightlessness III. The Psychophysiological Problem of Hyperventilation IV. High Altitude Tolerance A. Breathing Normal Air B. Breathing 100% Oxygen C. Breathing Oxygen under Pressure D. Pressure Suit V. Dysbarism or Decompression Sickness VI. Tolerance for Hypercapnia VII. Tolerance for Temperature Extremes VIII. Tolerance for Physical Work A. Functional Limitations B. Metabolic Limitations C. Environmental Effects on Work Capacity ReferencesPsychological Aspects of Space Flight I. Psychological Requirements for Man in Space II. Sensing and Perceiving A. Vision B. Audition C. Time Perception and Time Orientation D. Vestibular and Kinesthetic Senses E. Illusions and Spatial Disorientation III. Perceptual and Motor Skill Performance A. Effects of Acceleration Stress on Perceptual and Motor Skill Performance B. Performance Studies during Centrifuge Simulations of Space Flight C. Psychological Principles Concerning Performance Capabilities under g D. Effects of Weightlessness on Perceptual and Motor Skills E. Performance Reliability during Prolonged Confinement IV. Cognitive Processes and Other Higher Mental Abilities A. The Problem of Measuring Higher Mental Abilities B. Effects of Acceleration on Higher Mental Abilities C. Effects of Confinement on Higher Mental Abilities V. Personality and Emotional Behavior A. Isolation, Confinement, and Sensory Alteration B. The "Break-off" Phenomenon-the Feeling of Earth Separation C. Emotional Behavior D. Personality and Emotional Behavior during Space-Flight Simulation VI. Psychological Conditioning and Training A. Acceleration Training B. Training on Flight Attitude Control Tasks C. Academic Training D. Procedures Training, Trouble Shooting, and Emergency Training E. Navigation and Orientation Training F. Perceptual Training G. Egress and Survival Training H.