Topic 5: Introduction to the Nervous System
1. Define homeostasis and explain how it is maintained through feedback
mechanisms.
2. Differentiate between negative and positive feedback loops using both household
and physiological examples.
3. Compare how the nervous and endocrine systems regulate body functions,
highlighting speed and mode of communication.
4. Describe the three defining characteristics of neurons and explain why excitability
represents an evolutionary advantage.
5. Identify the parts of a neuron (cell body, dendrites, axon, synapse) and explain
how each contributes to neural communication.
6. Predict the functional consequences of damage to dendrites versus damage to
an axon.
7. Contrast multipolar, bipolar, and pseudounipolar neurons and predict where each
type is likely to be found.
8. Explain how myelination by Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes influences
signal conduction.
9. Analyze how loss of myelin in a disease state would impact neural
communication.
10.Distinguish between neurons and neuroglia and explain their complementary
roles in nervous tissue.
11.Compare the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system in terms of
structure and function.
12.Predict how information flow would be altered if integration did not occur in the
central nervous system.
13.Explain the organization of nerves, including endoneurium, perineurium, and
epineurium.
14.Differentiate between cranial and spinal nerves in terms of number, location, and
function.
15.Contrast a nerve, neuron, and ganglion, and evaluate where you would expect to
find each within the body.
Topic 6: Neural Circuits
1. Define the functional classifications of neurons (afferent, interneuron, efferent)
and describe the role each plays in a circuit.
2. Distinguish structural neuron types (multipolar vs. pseudounipolar) and explain
how their structure relates to function.
, 3. Identify the major parts of a neuron (dendrites, soma, axon) and describe how
each contributes to circuit activity.
4. Explain how multiple neurons function together in a neural circuit to enable
communication and regulation of homeostasis.
5. Compare and contrast sensory, motor, and interneurons in terms of their location
within the nervous system.
6. Predict how disruption of an afferent neuron would alter the circuit’s ability to
respond to stimuli.
7. Explain the role of the spinal cord in linking the peripheral and central nervous
systems within circuits.
8. Identify the dorsal, ventral, and lateral horns of the spinal cord and describe the
type of information processed in each.
9. Compare and contrast dorsal and ventral roots, including the role of the dorsal
root ganglion.
10.Predict the outcome if the ventral root of a spinal nerve is damaged.
11.Identify the connective tissue layers (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) that
protect the spinal cord.
12.Compare and contrast the functions of the meninges and the subarachnoid
space.
13.Explain the importance of cerebrospinal fluid circulation for spinal cord and brain
protection.
14.Differentiate between gray matter and white matter in the spinal cord and brain,
including their typical locations.
15.Analyze how the organization of white and gray matter supports the integration
and transmission of neural signals.
16.Evaluate how injury to the spinal cord at different levels would affect circuit
communication between the PNS and CNS.
Topic 7: Resting Membrane Potential
1. Define the resting membrane potential (RMP) and describe its typical value in
neurons.
2. Explain why electrical signaling requires ion gradients across the plasma
membrane.
3. Define voltage, current, and resistance and explain how each applies to neuronal
membranes.
4. Describe the uneven distribution of Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl⁻ across the membrane and
how this establishes electrochemical gradients.
5. Predict the direction of Na⁺ and K⁺ movement based on their electrochemical
gradients.
1. Define homeostasis and explain how it is maintained through feedback
mechanisms.
2. Differentiate between negative and positive feedback loops using both household
and physiological examples.
3. Compare how the nervous and endocrine systems regulate body functions,
highlighting speed and mode of communication.
4. Describe the three defining characteristics of neurons and explain why excitability
represents an evolutionary advantage.
5. Identify the parts of a neuron (cell body, dendrites, axon, synapse) and explain
how each contributes to neural communication.
6. Predict the functional consequences of damage to dendrites versus damage to
an axon.
7. Contrast multipolar, bipolar, and pseudounipolar neurons and predict where each
type is likely to be found.
8. Explain how myelination by Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes influences
signal conduction.
9. Analyze how loss of myelin in a disease state would impact neural
communication.
10.Distinguish between neurons and neuroglia and explain their complementary
roles in nervous tissue.
11.Compare the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system in terms of
structure and function.
12.Predict how information flow would be altered if integration did not occur in the
central nervous system.
13.Explain the organization of nerves, including endoneurium, perineurium, and
epineurium.
14.Differentiate between cranial and spinal nerves in terms of number, location, and
function.
15.Contrast a nerve, neuron, and ganglion, and evaluate where you would expect to
find each within the body.
Topic 6: Neural Circuits
1. Define the functional classifications of neurons (afferent, interneuron, efferent)
and describe the role each plays in a circuit.
2. Distinguish structural neuron types (multipolar vs. pseudounipolar) and explain
how their structure relates to function.
, 3. Identify the major parts of a neuron (dendrites, soma, axon) and describe how
each contributes to circuit activity.
4. Explain how multiple neurons function together in a neural circuit to enable
communication and regulation of homeostasis.
5. Compare and contrast sensory, motor, and interneurons in terms of their location
within the nervous system.
6. Predict how disruption of an afferent neuron would alter the circuit’s ability to
respond to stimuli.
7. Explain the role of the spinal cord in linking the peripheral and central nervous
systems within circuits.
8. Identify the dorsal, ventral, and lateral horns of the spinal cord and describe the
type of information processed in each.
9. Compare and contrast dorsal and ventral roots, including the role of the dorsal
root ganglion.
10.Predict the outcome if the ventral root of a spinal nerve is damaged.
11.Identify the connective tissue layers (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) that
protect the spinal cord.
12.Compare and contrast the functions of the meninges and the subarachnoid
space.
13.Explain the importance of cerebrospinal fluid circulation for spinal cord and brain
protection.
14.Differentiate between gray matter and white matter in the spinal cord and brain,
including their typical locations.
15.Analyze how the organization of white and gray matter supports the integration
and transmission of neural signals.
16.Evaluate how injury to the spinal cord at different levels would affect circuit
communication between the PNS and CNS.
Topic 7: Resting Membrane Potential
1. Define the resting membrane potential (RMP) and describe its typical value in
neurons.
2. Explain why electrical signaling requires ion gradients across the plasma
membrane.
3. Define voltage, current, and resistance and explain how each applies to neuronal
membranes.
4. Describe the uneven distribution of Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl⁻ across the membrane and
how this establishes electrochemical gradients.
5. Predict the direction of Na⁺ and K⁺ movement based on their electrochemical
gradients.
