Nervous System – Suggested study guide areas
1. Explain the major differences between the 2 body control systems (Nervous system, Endocrine
system)
2. List the 3 functions of the nervous system and explain each function and how they relate to
each other.
3. Draw out a chart to represent the structural and functional parts of the Nervous system.
4. Describe the structures of the CNS
5. Describe the structures of the PNS
6. List the cranial nerves.
7. List the characteristics if nervous tissue
8. List the types of Glial cells and describe their structure and basic functions
9. Draw and label a neuron.
10. Discuss the pathophysiology of Multiple sclerosis (TIP: set up a notecard with the cause,
incidence, risk factors, signs and symptoms and basic treatment)
11. Discuss the pathophysiology of Motor neuron Disease (ALS as an example) (TIP: set up a
notecard with the cause, incidence, risk factors, signs and symptoms and basic treatment)
12. Explain how neurons are classified and where you would typically find each type of neuron and
their function.
13. Complete the following table:
CNS
PNS
Cell bodies
Cell processes
Cells that produce
myelination
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Explain each stage of the generation of an action potential
Why does the refractory stage occur?
Discuss the factors that affect the speed of impulse.
Discuss the ‘all or nothing’ rule
Be able to draw a simple reflex arc – Monosynaptic
Define neurotransimitter.
Explain what excitatory and inhibitory post sysnaptic potentials are and how this influences
reaction (think up an example)
21. Complete the following table:
Neurotransmitter
Acetylcholine
Dopamine
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid
Serotonin
Glutamate
Noraepinephrine
Location of nervous system
Effect (excitatory or inhibitory)
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Nervous System – Suggested study guide areas
CNS
1. List 3 main parts of the brain
2. List 4 structural areas.
3. Cerebral Cortex: Draw a brain to show the 4 lobes and complete the table below:
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Lobe
Function
Occipital
temporal
Parietal
Frontal
Explain what Broca’s area is and where you would find it. Give an example of how someone with
Broca’s aphasia would speak.
Corpus Callosum – function and structure
Why does a CVA (Stroke) in the left hemisphere cause paralysis and symptoms in the right side
of the body.
Does a stroke in the right cerebellum affect the left side of the body? Why or why not.
Briefly explain the development of the forebrain, midbrain and hind brain from the neural plate
(This will most likely be an essay question)
Define sulcus (sulci) Gyrus (Gyri) and Fissures, be able to identify the longitudinal, central and
lateral fissures.
What is white and gray matter?
List the structures of the diencephalon and their basic functions in the table below:
structure
thalamus
hypothalamus
epithalamus
Shape/size location
function
12. Discuss how the basal ganglia is involved in Parkinson’s Disease.
13. Create a study card for Parkinson’s disease ((TIP: set up a notecard with the cause, incidence,
risk factors, signs and symptoms and basic treatment)
14. Do the same for Huntington’s Chorea (Huntington’s Disease)
15. Do the same for Alzheimer’s Disease.
16. Describe the structures and functions of the brain stem
17. Describe the Reticular Activating System
18. Describe the structure and function of the cerebellum
19. Be able to label the bones of the cranial cavity.
20. Describe each layer of the meninges
21. Discuss the signs and symptoms and causes of meningitis
22. Describe how CSF is produced and maintained.
23. Discuss the function of the blood brain barrier
24. Spinal cord – be able to label the basic butterfly shape
25. List the structure and functions of the spinal cord
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Nervous System – Suggested study guide areas
26. What is the cauda equine?
27. What is a lumbar puncture?
28. Discuss quadriplegia, paraplegia and tetraplegia
Peripheral Nervous system:
1. Describe structure of nerve. Be able to label the parts of the PNS nerve
2. Discuss Saltatory conduction (possible essay question)
3. Discuss Dermatomes and referred pain
4.
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