Laboratory 1, Neurobiology, BI 378

The Nervous System - Neurons, Nerve, and CNS Histology

 

I. Objectives:

a) To use a microscope to learn some basic neuroanatomy of the spinal cord, medulla. and cortices;

b) To learn about the functions of the spinal cord, medulla, cerebellum and cerebrum.

c) To be able to trace a reflex arc from the periphery, to the spinal cord, to muscle effectors.

 

II. Materials Available:

Slides:

1)    Spinal cord and ganglion

2)    Nerve – c.s. and l.s.

3)    Medulla

4)    Cerebrum – Silver - 31-3642

5)    Cerebrum – Fast Blue - 6806

6)    Cerebellum –         Nissle/fast Blue – H6816

7)    Cerebellum –         Silver – H6815

8)     

Models:

1)    Brain

2)    Spinal Cord - several

 

III. Specific Objectives:

1) Nerve - X sect and long. section

X sect                            long. section

myelinated axons                              node of Ranvier

non-myelinated axons?                      myelin sheath

                                                      Schwann cell nucleus

 

2) Spinal cord (including dorsal root ganglion)

gray matter                                      white matter

central canal                                     ventral horn

dorsal horn                                      ventral root

dorsal root                                       motor neuron

sensory neuron                                 Satellite cells

dorsal root ganglion                          spinal nerve

meninges

 

3) Cerebrum and Cerebellum

• be able to differentiate several of the layers in both of these tissues

Cerebellum - be able to recognize stellate cells, purkinje cells, granule cells

 

4) Medulla -          nuclei          axons

 

Assignment:

1) Written assignment: three paragraphs with at least three drawings:

• Paragraph one: Draw and label a spinal cord cross section. Using the drawing as a basis, describe how the spinal cord works to mediate reflexes.

• Paragraph two: Compare and contrast the cerebrum and the cerebellum. Be sure to include at least 3 specific differences and 3 specific similarities. Try to include some aspect of functions here (use available references).

• Paragraph 3: Compare/contrast the Medulla to the cerebellar and cerebral cortices.

DUE: next Monday at beginning of lab

 

2) Oral Presentation:

• Find a Website that is Neuro related (preferably a good one)

• look for histological sections

• make a 2 minute presentation on Friday in class

- show histological sections (website)

- describe histology of particular structure

- describe function

- criticize website - what is good? what could be improved?

DUE: This Friday