What is the mechanism of function of a kymogram?

Question

please help!! i really need it ASAP....thanks!

Answer 1

A kymograph is a rather old fashioned mechanical device to record various physiologic events in the biology lab. A strip of glossy paper is smoked over a yellow gas flame, then carefully taped to the kymograph drum. Adjacent to the drum is an adjustable stand onto which the recording scribes are placed. The various scribes may be attached to nerves, muscle tendons, or they may record pressure changes. They record by scratching a line through the smoke on the glossy paper.

The speed of the drum is adjusted by placing various fins on the flywheel. These fins create air resistance, so larger fins cause the drum to rotate more slowly.

After the drum has made a full revolution, you stop the kymograph, carefully label the recording by scratching a probe over the smoked paper. Then you take the recording and run it through a trough of shellac, then hang it up to dry. The resulting record is your kymogram.