Neurophysiology I

At the end of the course, the students should be able to: 1. explain how inhibitory and excitatory post-synaptic potentials can alter synaptic transmission; 2. list the major receptor classifications and representative receptor agonists; 3. describe the cutaneous and proprioceptive mechanoreceptors and their function; 4. describe formation and reabsorption of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), including the anatomy and function of the choroid plexus; 5. compare and contrast the barrier mechanisms between the blood brain barrier and the blood CSF barrier and the consequences of barrier break down; 6. describe the major areas of the cerebral cortex and their roles in perception and motor coordination. Identify the Brodmann areas for visual, auditory, somatosensory, motor, and speech areas; 7. discuss the pathways for Pain/Temperature/Coarse Touch System and its connections to the cerebral cortex; 8. list the neural components of the Dorsal Column-Medial Lemniscus system and its Trigeminal analogues; 9. describe the functions of the medial and lateral motor pathways. Trace their origins and terminations within the spinal cord; 10. describe the physiologic-anatomy of the major ascending tracts (anterolateral and dorsal column-medial lemniscus systems) and descending spinal cord tract (cortico-spinal tract, CST), including crossing of midline; 11. list the functions of the following brainstem reflexes: cardiovascular baroreceptor, respiratory stretch receptor, cough reflex, pupillary light reflex, gag reflex, and blink reflex; 12. explain the role of the brain stem reticular formation in pain perception and modulation, level of consciousness, integration of brainstem reflexes, and the location of noradrenergic, serotoninergic, and dopaminergic nuclei; 13. list the physiological functions of the Hypothalamus; 14. list the three functional divisions of the cerebellum, detailing the input and output connections of each. Describe how these areas are integrated with the lateral and medial motor pathways; 15. discuss the overall functions of the basal ganglia in the initiation and control of movement; 16. describe how the amygdala interacts with the cerebral cortex to produce cognitive emotional behaviours; 17. describe the three states of human brain activity based on EEG, EOG and EMG recordings; and 18. distinguish the major characteristics of the major seizure disorders: Grand mal, Absence seizure (Petite mal), simple partial and complex partial seizures, and status epilepticus.

Introduction - Organisation of the CNS and CNS control systems. Nerve generation and conduction of impulses. Synapses and synaptic transmission. Peripheral nervous system -the reflex arc and general properties of reflexes. Receptors. Spinal reflexes. Excitation and Inhibition. Localisation of functions in the cortex. Motor system. Pyramidal and extrapyramidal sensory systems. Reticular formation. Cerebellum: Control of posture. Neurobiology rhythms. Sleep and unconscious states. Memory, learning. Physiology of Special Senses: Eyeball: retina, sight, accommodation. Photochemical mechanism. Receptor potential. Light reflexes and adaptation. Ear: sound waves, hearing. Taste. Smell.