PASS Session 2 (A) - Introduction to the nervous system.docx

**[PASS Session 2 (A) (W3 Semester) -- *Introduction to the Nervous System*]** **[Expectations:]** - **PASS is a relaxed environment. Feel free to bring coffee, lunch etc.** - **A PASS leader is not a tutor, although we are here to help you learn the content and understand key concept...

**[PASS Session 2 (A) (W3 Semester) -- *Introduction to the Nervous System*]** **[Expectations:]** - **PASS is a relaxed environment. Feel free to bring coffee, lunch etc.** - **A PASS leader is not a tutor, although we are here to help you learn the content and understand key concepts.** - **It is a judgement free environment. Remember there are no silly questions!** - **This worksheet is just a guide. We may not cover everything, but if anything, it will help to identify any knowledge gaps that we can address.** [ ] **[Contact:]** **Feel free to send me an email regarding any topics that you feel you need some extra help with. I will try to respond as quickly as possible.** **Please contact me on: [[Jack.Towsey\@newcastle.edu.au]](mailto:[email protected])** **[Learning Objectives:]** - Describe the purpose of the nervous system and the main components involved in its function. - Identify the regions of a generalised neuron and their general functions (input, output and integration) and how they are achieved. - Describe the major functions of each of the CNS and PNS glial cells. - Explain in broad terms what a membrane potential is and what is required for it to exist. - Briefly explain how the resting membrane potential is maintained in a neuron. - Briefly describe how depolarisation and repolarisation are achieved in a neuron including the key roles of the sodium and potassium channels. - Describe the main events in an action potential. - Broadly explain how myelin increases the rate of conduction of axons. - Briefly explain the 3 main processes of synaptic transmission (events in both the pre and post synaptic cells) and understand how this can be modulated to alter nervous system signaling. - Describe the following divisions of the nervous system, their main components and their relationships and roles/functions: central and peripheral, somatic and autonomic, sensory (afferent) and motor (efferent). - Describe the components of a reflex arc using the provided examples. - Describe the purpose and mechanism of the provided example reflexes. - Explain how reflex testing can be used diagnostically. - Explain, in simple terms, how/why a simple reflex response can provide information about the functioning of both peripheral and central neurons. - Explain why some reflexes are present in infancy and disappear as we mature, while some reflexes are absent in infancy, and appear as we mature. - Apply the information learnt this week to clinical problems about the nervous system. 1. **Structurally speaking, the nervous system is divided into [two] distinct systems. The:** a. b. 2. **On the diagram below, please label and briefly describe each of the key components of a generalised neuron.** 3. **Complete the table below regarding glial cells.** **What are the *four* CNS neuroglia?** Name: Function: Image: ----------------------------------- ----------- -------- A\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ O\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ E\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ M\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 4. **Complete the table below regarding glial cells.** **What are the *two* PNS neuroglia?** Name Function: Image: ------------------------------------- ----------- -------- S\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ S\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 5. **What is meant by the term *[membrane potential]*? Use the square below to draw and discuss what is meant by a membrane potential and why it is so important that it exists.** 6. **If ions can continue to move down their concentration gradients somewhat freely, what is in place to *stop the membrane potential from disappearing*?** 7. **On the diagram below, label and then explain what is occurring.**  8. **What are some other ways that the nervous system can be divided?**