Download An Overview of Nervous Systems 1. Compare the two coordinating

An Overview of Nervous Systems
1.
Compare the two coordinating systems in animals.
2.
Describe the three major functions of the nervous system.
3.
List and describe the major parts of a neuron and explain the function of each.
4.
Define a reflex and describe the pathway of a simple reflex arc.
5.
Compare the location of the cell bodies of motor neurons, interneurons, and sensory
neurons. Distinguish between ganglia and nuclei.
6.
Diagram and describe the three major patterns of neural circuits.
7.
Describe the function and location of each type of supporting cell.
The Nature of Nerve Signals
8.
Define a membrane potential and a resting potential.
9.
Explain why physiologists often study the nervous systems of invertebrates.
10. Describe the factors that contribute to a membrane potential.
11. Explain why the membrane potential of a resting neuron is typically about -70 mV.
12. Explain the role of the sodium-potassium pump.
13. Distinguish between gated and ungated ion channels and between chemically gated ion
channels and voltage-gated ion channels.
14. Define a graded potential and explain how it is different from a resting potential or an
action potential.
15. Describe the characteristics of an action potential. Explain the role of voltage-gated ion
channels in this process.
16. Describe the two main factors that underlie the repolarizing phase of the action potential.
17. Define the refractory period.
18. Explain how the nervous system distinguishes between stronger and weaker stimuli.
19. Explain how an action potential is propagated along an axon.
20. Describe the factors that affect the speed of action potentials along an axon and describe
adaptations that increase the speed of propagation.
21. Compare an electrical synapse and a chemical synapse.
22. Describe the structures of a chemical synapse and explain how they transmit an action
potential from one cell to another.
23. Explain why an action potential can be transmitted in only a single direction over a neural
pathway.
24. Explain how excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSP) and inhibitory postsynaptic
potentials (IPSP) affect the postsynaptic membrane potential.
25. Define summation and distinguish between the two types. Explain how summation applies
to EPSPs and IPSPs.
26. Explain the role of the axon hillock.
27. Describe the types and properties of the major neurotransmitters.
28. Describe the specific properties of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and biogenic
amines.
29. Identify and describe the functions of the four amino acids and several neuropeptides that
work as neurotransmitters.
30. Describe the effects of endorphins, nitric oxide, and carbon monoxide.
The Evolution and Diversity of Nervous Systems
31. Compare and contrast the nervous systems of the following animals and explain how
variations in design and complexity relate to their phylogeny, natural history, and habitat:
hydra, sea star, planarian, insects, mollusks, and vertebrates.
Vertebrate Nervous Systems
32. Compare the structures and functions of the central nervous system and peripheral
nervous system.
33. Distinguish between the functions of the autonomic nervous system and the somatic
nervous system.
34. Describe the embryonic development of the vertebrate brain.
35. Describe the structures and functions of the following brain regions: medulla oblongata,
pons, midbrain, cerebellum, thalamus, epithalamus, hypothalamus, and cerebrum.
36. Describe the specific functions of the reticular system.
37. Relate the specific regions of the cerebrum to their functions.
38. Distinguish between the functions of the left and right hemispheres of the cerebrum.
39. Describe the specific functions of the brain regions associated with language, speech,
emotions, memory, and learning.
40. Distinguish between long-term depression and long-term potentiation.
41. Describe our current understanding of human consciousness.
42. Explain how research on stem cells and neural development may lead to new treatments
for injuries and disease