Key Objectives in Unit Three
- Nervous Tissue
- Identify the three basic functions of the nervous system in maintaining homeostasis.
- Classify the organs of the nervous system into central and peripheral divisions.
- Contrast the characteristics and functions of neuroglia and neurons.
- Describe the functions of neuroglia.
- Describe the structure and functions of neurons.
- Define white and gray matter and give examples of each.
- Describe the cellular properties that permit communication among neurons and muscle fibers.
- Explain the events of synaptic transmission.
- The Brain and the Cranial Nerves
- Identify the principal parts of the brain and describe how the brain is protected.
- Explain the formation and circulation of spinal fluid.
- Describe the blood supply to the brain and the blood-brain barrier.
- Compare the structure and function of the brain stem, diencephalon, cerebrum and cerebellum.
- Discuss the various neurotransmitters found in the brain.
- Define a cranial nerve and identify the 12 pairs of cranial nerves by name, number, type, location, and function.
- Describe the effects of aging on the nervous system.
- Spinal Chord and Spinal Nerves
- Describe the protection, gross anatomical features and cross-sectional structure of the spinal chord.
- Describe the functions of the principal sensory and motor tracts of the spinal chord.
- Describe the components of a reflex arc and its relationship to homeostasis.
- List and describe several clinically important reflexes.
- Describe the composition and coverings of a spinal nerve.
- Describe a plexus and their position and distribution of nerves of the cervical, brachial, lumbar, and sacral plexuses.
- Describe spinal chord injury and list immediate and long-term effects.
- Sensory, Motor, and Integrative System
- Define a sensation and discuss the levels and components of sensation.
- Describe the classification of receptors. List the location and function of receptors for tactile sensations, thermal sensations, and pain.
- Distinguish somatic, visceral, referred, and phantom pain.
- Identify the proprioceptive receptors and indicate their function.
- Discuss the neuronal components and functions of the posterior column-medial lemniscus, anterolateral, and spinocerebellar pathways.
- Describe the integration of sensory input and motor output.
- Compare the location and function of the direct and indirect motor pathways.
- Compare integrative functions such as memory, wakefulness, and sleep.
- Autonomic Nervous System
- Compare the structural and functional differences between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
- Identify the principal structural features of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
- Compare the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS in terms of anatomy, physiology, and neurotransmitters released.
- Special Senses
- Locate the receptors for olfaction and describe the neural pathway for smell.
- Identify the gustatory receptors and describe the neural pathway for taste.
- List and describe the accessory structures of the eye and the structural divisions of the eyeball.
- Discuss image formation by describing refraction, accommodation, and constriction of the pupil.
- Discuss the anatomical subdivisions of the ear. List the principle events in the physiology of hearing. Identify the receptor organs for equilibrium and how they function.
- Endocrine System
- Define the components of the endocrine system and discuss the functions of the endocrine and nervous systems in maintaining homeostasis.
- Describe how hormones are transported in the blood and how they interact with target cell receptors.
- Explain the two general mechanisms of hormonal action.
- Describe the release of hormones stored in the posterior pituitary gland.
- Describe the location, histology, hormones, and functions of the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries, testes, pineal, and thymus glands.
Readings:
Saladin Anatomy and Physiology
Chapters 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17