Module 7.1 - Fundamentals of the Nervous System
This module will be the framework for the rest of the unit. Here, you will learn about the basics types of glial cells that are found throughout, the branches of the nervous system, how an action potential is created, and much more.
Module 7.1 Warm-Up
Warm-Up Instructions: "The Neuron is Like a Flushing Toilet"
Essential Vocab:
central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, sensory (afferent division), motor (efferent) division, somatic nervous system, autonomic nervous system, neuroglia, microglia, ependymal cells, oligodendrocytes, satellite cells, schwann cells, neurons, nerve cells, neural processes, dendrites, axon, axolemma, myelin sheath, myelinated fibers, neurillemma, nodes of Ranvier, white matter, gray matter, multipolar neurons, bipolar neurons, unipolar neurons, resting membrane potential, polarized, sodium potassium pumps, threshold, multiple sclerosis, synapse, pre/post synaptic neuron, synaptic vesicles
Module Objectives:
Fundamentals of the nervous system
1. Functions and Divisions of the Nervous System
1. List the basic functions of the nervous system.
2. Explain the structural and functional divisions of the nervous system.
Histology of Nervous Tissue
3. List the types of neuroglia and cite their functions.
4. Define neuron, describe its important structural components, and relate each to a functional role.
5. Differentiate between a nerve and a tract, and between a nucleus and a ganglion.
6. Explain the importance of the myelin sheath and describe how it is formed in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
7. Classify neurons structurally and functionally.
Membrane Potentials
8. Define resting membrane potential and describe its electrochemical basis.
9. Compare and contrast graded potentials and action potentials.
10. Explain how action potentials are generated and propagated along neurons.
11. Define absolute and relative refractory periods.
12. Define saltatory conduction and contrast it to conduction along unmyelinated fibers.
The Synapse
13. Define synapse. Distinguish between electrical and chemical synapses by structure and by the way they transmit information.
14. Distinguish between excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials.
15. Describe how synaptic events are integrated and modified.
Neurotransmitters and Their Receptors
16. Define neurotransmitter and name several classes of neurotransmitters.
Basic Concepts of Neural Integration
17. Describe common patterns of neuronal organization and processing.
18. Distinguish between serial and parallel processing.
Developmental Aspects of Neurons
19. Describe how neurons develop and form synapses.