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This learning program is designed to introduce you to the anatomical structures and basic physiological functions of the nervous system. The program begins with an overview of how the central and peripheral nervous systems are organized. You will learn about the different types of cells that make up nervous tissue, namely neurons (nerve cells) and neuroglia (support cells). You will also learn how neurons generate and propagate electrical and chemical signals in order to form an intricate, highly organized communication network that is the basis of nervous system function. The program concludes with a discussion of higher-level functions of the brain, spinal cord, and autonomic nervous system, and how they collaborate to control homeostasis and other bodily activities.

Upon completion of this learning program, you will be able to:

• Describe the general organization of the nervous system
• Understand the structural and functional divisions of the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS)
• List the structures of the brain and spinal cord and explain the functions of each
• Name the parts of a neuron and describe the functions of each
• Compare and contrast the functions of the autonomic and somatic nervous systems (ANS and SNS)
• Identify the different types of sensory receptors and explain how they perceive the various sensations
• Describe the physiological basis of neural communication
• Give examples of neurotransmitters and receptors used in neural communication and explain the roles of each

1.1. Getting Started

1.1.1. Sound Check

1.1.2. Disclaimer

1.1.3. Welcome

1.1.4. Navigation Instructions

1.2. Staying Focused

1.2.1. Introduction

1.2.2. Learning Objectives

1.3. Test your Current Knowledge

1.3.1. Pretest

1.4. Anatomy of The Nervous System

1.4.1. Overview

1.4.2. Cells of the Nervous System

1.4.2.1. Overview

1.4.2.2. Neurons

1.4.2.3. Neuroglia

1.4.3. Progress Check

1.5. Anatomy of the Central Nervous System

1.5.1. Overview

1.5.2. Gray and White Matter

1.5.3. Anatomy of the Brain

1.5.4. Anatomy of the Spinal Cord

1.5.5. Vasculature of the Central Nervous System

1.5.6. Progress Check

1.6. Anatomy of the Peripheral Nervous System

1.6.1. Overview

1.6.2. Cranial and Spinal Nerves

1.6.3. Anatomy of the Autonomic Nervous System

1.6.4. Sensory Receptors

1.6.5. Progress Check

1.7. Physiology of the Nervous System

1.7.1. Overview

1.7.2. Electrical Properties of Neurons

1.7.2.1. Overview

1.7.2.2. The Resting Membrane Potential

1.7.2.3. The Action Potential

1.7.2.4. The Graded Potential

1.7.2.5. Continuous and Saltatory Conduction

1.7.3. Synaptic Transmission

1.7.3.1. Overview

1.7.3.2. Chemical and Electrical Synapses

1.7.4. Progress Check

1.7.5. Spinal Cord Function

1.7.5.1. Digging Deeper —Spinal Reflexes

1.7.6. Brain Function

1.7.7. Function of The Autonomic Nervous System

1.7.7.1. Overview

1.7.7.2. Neurotransmitters and Receptors of the Autonomic Nervous System

1.7.8. Sidenotes

1.7.9. Progress Check

1.8. Test your Acquired Knowledge

1.8.1. Summary

1.8.2. Posttest

1.9. Conclusion

1.10. Glossary

1.11. References