Download Objectives for Chapter 7

Objectives for Chapter 7: THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
1.
Identify the types of cells found in the nervous system including: neurons (sensory, motor and
association/interneurons), microglia, astrocyte, oligodendrocyte, Schwann cell and ependymal
cells. What is the function of each cell in the nervous system?
2.
Understand the function of the following structures found in a neuron: cell body, dendrite, axon,
axon hillock, synaptic cleft, myelin sheath, neurilemma, and nodes of Ranvier.
3.
Understand the chemical reasons for the formation of the resting potential.
4.
Understand the formation of the action potential and the terms relating to the action potential
(resting potential, depolarization, repolarization and the sodium-potassium pump). How does
an action potential differ from a graded potential?
5.
What are the different types of channels found in the neurons? How do they function?
6.
What happens at the synapse? Understand the release of acetylcholine at a chemical synapse.
7.
Why is there a difference in impulse transmission between a myelinated and nonmyelinated
axon?
8.
Locate on a diagram and describe the function of each of the following spinal structures: ventral
(anterior) root, dorsal (posterior) root, spinal nerves, sympathetic ganglia, communicating rami,
white matter and gray matter.
9.
Locate on a diagram and describe the function of each of the following landmarks on the brain:
cerebral hemisphere, cerebellum, pons, medulla, midbrain, cerebrum, thalamus,hypothalamus,
corpus callosum,central sulcus, precentral gyrus, postcentral gyrus, lateral sulcus, longitudinal
fissure, frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe and temporal lobe.
10.
What is the function of the meninges? What is the composition of the meninges? What is the
function of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)? Where is CSF made in the brain?
11.
Know the sensory and motor functions of the 12 cranial nerves.
12.
Understand the function of the association, projection and commissural fibers found in the
brain.
13.
Understand a simple reflex arc (2 neurons) and a more complex reflex arc (3 neurons). Give an
example of each.
14.
Understand the structure of the ascending sensory pathways and the descending motor
pathways.
15.
Compare and contrast the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous
system including the origin of the preganglionic neuron, site of synapse, neurotransmitter and
functions.