Chapter 10: Skeletal Muscle Functions and Chapter 12: Nervous Tissue

Study Notes

Skeletal muscle is surrounded by three layers of connective tissue
Tendons are formed by connective tissue
Muscle characteristics include myosatellite cells, sarcolemma, sarcoplasm, and sarcoplasmic reticulum
Myofibrils are bundles responsible for muscle contraction
Two types of myofilaments exist: actin and myosin
Sarcomeres are the functional units of muscle contraction
Muscle contraction follows a sliding filament mechanism
Acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) are involved in muscle contraction and relaxation
Contraction steps include initiation, contraction cycle, and rigor mortis
Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle differ in structure and function; important differences should be noted.
Visual aids (diagrams, pictures) are important for understanding muscle function

Nervous tissue contains various types of cells; note the types
The central nervous system (CNS) is the brain and spinal cord
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is divided into afferent and efferent systems
Note the somatic, autonomic, and enteric nervous systems and their functions
Functional components of neurons include receptors, effectors, neurons, dendrites, and neuroglia.
Note the structural classifications of neurons.
Understand the processes of depolarization, repolarization, and hyperpolarization
Different types of nerve fiber propagation exist, including continuous vs. saltatory.
Note myelination speed differences among types of nerve fibers.

Key structures include Cerebrum, Cerebellum, Gyrus, Sulcus, Thalamus, Hypothalamus, Midbrain, Pons, Medulla oblongata.
Brain functions are associated with different areas (e.g. Cerebellum coordinates movement)
Functions of brain structures are important.
Protections of the brain (chemical and physical) are important
Stroke, ataxia, and seizure are diseases that affect the brain; important to know their implications.
The difference between superior and inferior colliculi, is important.
The lobes and major regions of the cerebrum, cerebellum and the relationship between the hemispheres are critical.
Note the location and function of specific sensor areas and their neurological circuits.
Structures like Wernicke's and Broca's areas play a special role in language, and should be understood.
Identifying and understanding the functions of cranial nerves, particularly mentioned ones, is important.
The optic chiasm is an important structure for visual pathways.