BSC 2085
NERVOUS SYSTEM, HISTOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY OBJECTIVES  

Be able to apply the following terms.

neuron	Schwann cell, oligodendrocyte	gated ion channels	saltatory conduction	neurotransmitter
dendrite	CNS, PNS	ion pores	continuous conduction	IPSP, EPSP
axon	Autonomic NS, Somatic NS	Na/K pump	hyperpolarization	graded depolarizations
cell body	sensory	resting potential	depolarization	synaptic transmission
neuroglia	association	graded potential	repolarization	syaptic cleft
myelin	motor	action potential	synaptic integration	reflex arc
receptor	sensory neuron	control center	motor neuron	effector



• List the basic functions of the nervous system.
• Diagram the general structure of the CNS and PNS nervous systems.
• List the types of neuroglia and cite their functions.
• Describe the important anatomical structures of a neuron (both mulitpolar and unipolar) and relate each structure to a physiological role. Classify neurons, both structurally and functionally, giving locations of each structrual and functional type..
• Explain the importance of the myelin sheath and note the cell responsible for its formation in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
• Identify membrane proteins required for functioning of excitable cells.
• Define resting membrane potential and describe how it is generated and maintained.
• Compare and contrast graded and action potentials. Discuss their role, where they are formed and what causes them. Include roles of specific ion membrane pores, gated ion channels and ion pumps.
• Explain how action potentials are generated and propagated along neurons.
• Define saltatory conduction and contrast it to conduction along unmyelinated axons..
• Define synapse. Distinguish between electrical and chemical synapses structurally and in their mechanisms of information transmission.
• Distinguish between excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic graded potentials. Discuss their role in generation of action potentials.
• Describe the events of synaptic integration and its results. Describe the events of neurotransmission.

Human Anatomy and Physiology Courses 
at St. Petersburg College
St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus

10/2003