1: Nervous system Organization, Histology and Basic Physiology

Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab Manual II: Neural and Cardiopulmonary Systems · LibreTexts

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    From LibreTexts, under CC BY 4.0, as the source states it; its equations are written in TeX, which the PDF shows typeset. This page at LibreTexts.

    Introduction

    In this lab, we will explore “How does the structure of the nervous system relate to its function?”. The nervous system is extraordinarily complex and is critical for sensing internal and external environments, integrating and processing them to make decisions, and regulating body functions and movements. The exercises here will review cellular function and structure, and explore several basic neural networks within the larger body. We will use a combination of laboratory models and microscopic analysis, and physiological exercises to study nervous systems.

    Learning Objectives
    • Describe the functions of the nervous system.
    • Identify the anatomical features of a neuron cell and relate the form to the function (include histology), cell body (soma), Nissl bodies, nucleus with nucleolus, dendrites, axon, axolemma, neurolemma, axon hillock, axon terminals, myelin sheath, nodes of Ranvier, axon collaterals.
    • Compare and contrast the types of neurons based on structural organization (unipolar, bipolar or multipolar) or functions (sensory neuron, motor neuron, interneuron/association neuron).
    • Demonstrate structure-function-location relationships of the glial cells in the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
    • Explain the terminology associated with alterations in membrane potential during the formation of graded and action potentials, including resting membrane potential, depolarization, repolarization, and hyperpolarization, and describe the role of ions in these processes.

    • 1.1: From Nerve Cells to Nerve Signals
      This page covers the nervous system's structure and function, detailing the central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) systems, along with neuron classifications and glial cell support. It explains the myelin sheath's role in nerve impulse transmission and contrasts gray and white matter. It further explores action potential mechanisms, including sodium channel involvement, the "All or None" principle, and the refractory period.
    • 1.2: Activity 1
      This page describes the "Think - Pair - Share" activity focused on recognizing and distinguishing odors. It highlights the physiological processes of odor detection in the body and brain, stressing its significance for survival and everyday life. Participants engage in individual reflection, then collaborate in pairs to discuss and refine their insights before sharing with the class, enhancing understanding through interaction and discussion.
    • 1.3: Activity 2
      This page offers an overview of neuron anatomy, detailing key components like the neuron cell body, dendrites, axon hillock, and axon, along with their physiological roles. It emphasizes functions such as synaptic potential summation at the axon hillock and the expansive surface area from dendrites, aiding in the understanding of neuronal signaling and communication within the central and peripheral nervous systems.
    • 1.4: Activity 3
      This page outlines an activity where students use a microscope to examine a prepared slide of a multipolar motor neuron. They start with a low magnification lens to identify key features and proceed to higher magnifications for detailed observations. Participants are required to draw and label important neuron structures such as the axon, cell body, dendrite, nucleus, nucleolus, Nissl bodies, neurofibrils, and glial cells. A printed version of the lab is suggested to enhance participation.
    • 1.5: Activity 4
      This page outlines a laboratory activity where students use a microscope to examine a teased medullated nerve slide, providing step-by-step instructions for observing and identifying key tissue features at varying magnifications. It emphasizes proper lighting for detailed observations and encourages students to draw and label components such as the axon, Schwann cells, and node of Ranvier.
    • 1.6: Activity 5
      This page details a microscopy activity focusing on the motor end plate. Students begin at low magnification (4x) to observe tissue features, then switch to medium (10x) and high magnification (40x) for detailed examination. Good lighting is essential for assessing shape, and students are encouraged to draw and label important structures like muscle fibers and axons. A printed lab version is required for full participation due to accessibility needs.
    • 1.7: Activity 6
      This page examines demyelinating diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis (MS) and Guillain-Barré syndrome, highlighting their impact on myelin insulation and nerve signaling. MS affects the central nervous system, causing symptoms related to muscle and organ control, while Guillain-Barré targets peripheral nerves, resulting in motor and sensory deficits. The content includes comprehension questions to enhance understanding.
    • 1.8: Activity 7
      This page describes an activity that engages students in classifying neurons by their structure and function. It includes a table for documenting details about sensory, interneuron, and motor neurons, highlighting their structural types and the locations of cell bodies and axon terminals within the CNS and PNS. The exercise stresses the connection between neuron structure and function, with an accessibility note recommending a printed version of the lab for complete participation.
    • 1.9: Activity 8
      This page explains the physiological roles of glial cells in the nervous system, categorizing them into CNS and PNS groups. It identifies six types of neuroglia: four in the CNS (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, ependymal cells) and two in the PNS (Schwann cells, satellite cells). Each type has essential functions vital for neuron maintenance and overall neural health.
    • 1.10: Glossary
      This page provides an overview of the nervous system, detailing neuron structures and functions, including glial cells and divisions. It explains action potentials, conduction types, membrane potentials, and neurotransmitter roles, while also describing various neuron shapes and critical barriers like the blood-brain barrier. This foundational information aids in understanding neural communication and function.

    Thumbnail: Nervous Tissue. (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 ; Claire McGuire via Anatomy of Nervous Tissue). 

    This page titled 1: Nervous system Organization, Histology and Basic Physiology was last modified on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 19:24:00 GMT and is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lakshmikanta Sengupta and Susmita Sengupta.