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Chapter Objectives

Objective Checklist

Organization of the Nervous System
  • List the general functions of the nervous system.
  • Explain the structural and functional classifications of the nervous system.
  • Define central nervous system and peripheral nervous system and list the major parts of each.
Nervous Tissue: Structure and Function
  • State the function of neurons and neuroglia.
  • Describe the general structure of a neuron, and name its important anatomical regions.
  • Describe the composition of gray matter and white matter.
  • List the two major functional properties of neurons.
  • Classify neurons according to structure and function.
  • List the types of general sensory receptors and describe their functions.
  • Describe the events that lead to the generation of a nerve impulse and its conduction from one neuron to another.
  • Define reflex arc and list its elements.
Central Nervous System
  • Identify and indicate the functions of the major regions of the cerebral hemispheres, diencephalon, brain stem, and cerebellum on a human brain model or diagram.
  • Name the three meningeal layers and state their functions.
  • Discuss the formation and function of cerebrospinal fluid and the blood-brain barrier.
  • Compare the signs of a CVA with those of Alzheimer's disease; of a contusion with those of a concussion.
  • Define EEG and explain how it evaluates neural functioning.
  • List two important functions of the spinal cord.
  • Describe spinal cord structure.
Peripheral Nervous System
  • Describe the general structure of a nerve.
  • Identify the cranial nerves by number and by name, and list the major functions of each.
  • Describe the origin and fiber composition of (a) ventral and dorsal roots, (b) the spinal nerve proper, and (c) ventral and dorsal rami.
  • Discuss the distribution of the dorsal and ventral rami of spinal nerves.
  • Name the four major nerve plexuses, give the major nerves of each, and describe their distribution.
  • Identify the site of origin and explain the function of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system.
  • Contrast the effect of the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions on the following organs: heart, lungs, digestive system, blood vessels.
Developmental Aspects of the Nervous System
  • List several factors that may have harmful effects on brain development.
  • Briefly describe the cause, signs, and consequences of the following congenital disorders: spina bifida, anencephaly, cerebral palsy.
  • Explain the decline in brain size and weight that occurs with age.
  • Define senility and list some possible causes.





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