Nervous System

 Learning objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

• Describe the major anatomical and functional subdivisions of the nervous system
• Describe the typical structure of a neuron
• Describe the role of each anatomical part of a neuron in normal neuronal function
• Describe the ways that neurons may be classified
• Explain the roles of the different types of glial cells
• Describe the conditions during resting membrane potential and the processes involved in an action potential
• Explain how action potentials are propagated between neurons
• List the major subdivisions and anatomical landmarks of the brain
• Identify the four main lobes of the cerebrum and their functions
• Identify the main brain regions involved in:
  • The control of movement
  • Receiving information on somatic sensation
  • Memory formation and storage and emotion
• Describe the role of the hypothalamus, thalamus and cerebellum
• List the meninges and the order in which they are found around the brain
• Identify the cerebral ventricles, surrounding fluid and difference between white and grey matter
• Describe the different cranial nerves and the structures they innervate
• Describe the gross and microscopic structure of the spinal cord