Learning Objectives for Nerve Physiology

1. Define and identify on a diagram of a motor neuron, the following regions: dendrites, axon,
axon hillock, soma and axodendritic synapse.
2. Describe the normal distribution of Na+, K+, Cl- across the cell membrane and explain how the
relative permeabilities of these ions create a resting membrane potential.
3. Name the 3 factors that contribute to the genesis and maintenance of the resting membrane
potential.
4. Describe the different phases of the action potential. Discuss ionic basis of an action potential.
Explain the roles of the different ion channels. Describe where an action potential is usually
initiated in a neuron. Explain threshold and all-or-none principle.
5. Discuss the differences between absolute and relative refractory periods in an action potential.
6. Compare and contrast a local from an action potential.
7. Discuss the different types of local potential.
8. Describe the ionic basis of each of the following local graded potentials: ESPS, IPSP and EPP.
9. Discuss how conduction occurs in an unmyelinated axon. Describe the functional role of myelin
in promoting salutatory conduction.
10. Discuss the events in synaptic transmission.
11. Differentiate temporal from spatial summation.

Learning Objectives for Skeletal Muscle Physiology

1. Discuss the structure of the skeletal muscle at all anatomical levels from the whole muscle to
molecular components of the sarcomere.
2. Draw the structure of the neuromuscular junction. List the steps involved in neuromuscular
transmission. Distinguish between skeletal muscle action potential and end plate potential.
3. List the possible sites for blocking neuromuscular transmission.
4. Diagram the structure of the thick and thin filaments and label the constituent proteins.
5. List the steps in excitation-contraction coupling and describe the roles of the sarcolemma, T
tubules, sarcoplasmic reticulum, thin and thick filaments and calcium ions.
6. Describe the chemical and mechanical steps in cross-bridge cycling and explain how it result to
shortening.
7. Describe the roles of ATP in muscle contraction and relaxation.
8. Define a motor unit.
9. Compare and contrast the three types of skeletal muscle fibers.
10. Discuss modulation of muscle contraction in terms of spatial and temporal summation.
11. Distinguish between isotonic and isometric contractions and give examples of movements that
illustrate each.
12. Name the sources of ATP.
13. Name some possible causes of fatigue.
Learning Objectives for Autonomic Nervous System

1. Define ANS and explain its relationship to the peripheral nervous system.
A. Discuss the organization of the ANS.
2. Contrast the ANS to SNS relative to sensory input, control of motor output, efferent pathways,
neurotransmitters, receptors, effectors, and effector responses.
3. Compare and contrast the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions as to anatomical,
biochemical, functional and pharmacological differences.
A. Trace the pathway of the neurons in sympathetic and parasympathetic division.
B. Define and contrast pre- and postganglionic autonomic neurons.
C. List down the origin of the pre-ganglionic neurons in the sympathetic division.
D. List the cranial and sacral nerves involved in parasympathetic outflow.
E. Compare the length of pre- and post-ganglionic neurons and discuss its functional
implication.
F. Describe the synaptic characteristics, receptors, and neurotransmitters for the 2 divisions.
G. Contrast the general effects of the 2 divisions on target tissues. Describe the effects of
sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulation of pupils, lungs, heart, arteries,
gastrointestinal function, and sexual function.
H. Explain the relatively diffuse action of the sympathetic division compared with the
parasympathetic division.
I. Discuss the organs which are solely innervated by the sympathetic division.
J. Predict the effects of some autonomic drugs on synaptic transmission in neuroeffector
junctions.
4. Discuss the antagonistic and cooperative interactions of the 2 divisions.