Week 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the Nervous System.


Objective

To provide students with foundational knowledge of the structure and function of the nervous system, enabling them to understand its role in maintaining homeostasis and its relevance in clinical settings.

Day 1 - Introduction to the Nervous System

  • Topics Covered:

    • Overview of the nervous system

    • Major functions: sensory input, integration, motor output

    • Divisions: Central Nervous System (CNS) & Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

    • Somatic vs. Autonomic nervous system

  • Activities:

    • Lecture & visual diagrams

    • Group discussion: Everyday examples of nervous system activity

    • Labeling exercise: CNS and PNS structures

Day 2 - Central Nervous System (CNS)

  • Topics Covered:

    • Brain anatomy: cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem

    • Functions of major brain regions

    • Spinal cord structure and function

    • Meninges and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

    • Activities:

      • Brain model demonstration

      • Fill-in-the-blank worksheets

      • Short quiz on brain parts

Day 3 - Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) & Nerves

  • Topics Covered:

    • Cranial nerves: names, numbers, functions

    • Spinal nerves & nerve plexuses

    • Sensory (afferent) vs. motor (efferent) pathways

  • Activities:

    • Mnemonics for cranial nerves

    • Matching exercise: cranial nerves to function

    • Interactive nerve pathway diagram labeling


Day 4 - Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

  • Topics Covered:

    • Sympathetic vs. parasympathetic divisions

    • Fight-or-flight vs. rest-and-digest responses

    • Clinical relevance: vital signs and patient stress response

  • Activities:

    • Case studies on autonomic responses

    • Role-play: explaining 'fight-or-flight' to a patient

    • Small group chart creation: comparing sympathetic & parasympathetic systems

Day 5 - Neurons, Synapses, & Neurotransmitters

  • Topics Covered:

    • Structure of a neuron: dendrites, axon, myelin sheath

    • Types of neurons: sensory, motor, interneurons

    • Synaptic transmission & neurotransmitters

    • Common neurological disorders (brief overview: Parkinson's, MS, Alzheimer's)

  • Activities:

    • Microscope slide observation of nerve tissue

    • Flowchart creation: impulse transmission

    • Review quiz covering the whole week's content

    • Assessment & Homework

  • Assessment:

    • End-of-week quiz (20 questions - multiple choice & labeling)

    • Homework:

      • Read Nervous System chapter in Anatomy & Physiology textbook

      • Complete labeling worksheets for brain and spinal cord

      • Prepare 3 examples of how nervous system disorders affect patient care