THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
AP OBJECTIVES:
A. The neuron is the basic structure of the nervous system that reflects function.
1. A typical neuron has a cell body, axon and dendrites. Many axons have a myelin sheath that acts as an electrical
insulator.
2. The structure of the neuron allows for the detection, generation, transmission and integration of signal information.
3. Schwann cells, which form the myelin sheath, are separated by gaps of unsheathed axon over which the impulse travels
as the signal propagates along the neuron.
B. Action potentials propagate impulses along neurons.
1. Membranes of neurons are polarized by the establishment of electrical potentials across the membranes.
2. In response to a stimulus, Na+ and K+ gated channels sequentially open and cause the membrane to become locally
depolarized.
3. Na+/K+ pumps, powered by ATP, work to maintain membrane potential.
C. Transmission of information between neurons occurs across synapses.
1. In most animals, transmission across synapses involves chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.
• Acetylcholine
• Norepinephrine
• Serotonin
• Epinephrine
• Dopamine
• GABA
2. Transmission of information along neurons and synapses results in a response.
3. The response can be stimulatory or inhibitory.
D. Different regions of the vertebrate brain have different functions.
• Vision
• Neuro-hormone production
• Forebrain (cerebrum), midbrain
• Hearing
• Right and left cerebral
(brainstem) and hindbrain
• Muscle movement
hemispheres in humans
(cerebellum)
• Abstract thought and emotions
✘ The types of nervous systems, development of the human nervous system, details of the various structures and features of the
brain parts, and details of specific neurologic processes are beyond the scope of the course and AP Exam.
E. Conditions where signal transduction is blocked or defective can be deleterious, preventative or prophylactic.
• Effects of neurotoxins, poisons, pesticides
• Drugs (Hypertensives, Anesthetics, Antihistamines and Birth Control Drugs)
✘ Specific mechanisms of these diseases and action of drugs are beyond the scope of the course and the AP Exam.
NERVOUS SYSTEM VIDEOS:
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
Bozeman Science – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UabDiuTtU0M&index=51&list=PLFCE4D99C4124A27A
Crash Course – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4PPZCLnVkA
FOR NERVOUS SYSTEM TUTORIALS/HELP:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Go to http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072943696/student_view0/
Click on “Study Partner” and launch the “Essential Study Partner.”
Click “Click Here to Choose a Unit” and select “Integration and Coordination”
Go through the tutorials for Nervous Tissue
FOR EXTRA CREDIT/DAILY MAKE-UP (NERVOUS):
a.
b.
Go to http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072943696/student_view0/ and select Chapter 8
View the Animations and take the quizzes for the following topics and email them to elissa.griffin@student.gccisd.net
1. Animation: Sodium-Potassium Exchange Pump (Quiz 1)
2. Animation: Sodium-Potassium Exchange Pump (Quiz 2)
3. Animation: Chemical Synapse (Quiz 1)
4. Animation: The Nerve Impulse
5. Animation: Transmission Across a Synapse
6. Animation: Voltage-Gated Channels and the Action Potential (Quiz 1)
7. Animation: Voltage-Gated Channels and the Action Potential (Quiz 2)