Module 10: The Nervous and Musculoskeletal Systems

As you read this passage, your nervous and musculoskeletal systems are performing several functions simultaneously. The visual system is processing what is seen on the page; the motor system controls the turn of the pages (or click of the mouse); the prefrontal cortex maintains attention. A nervous system is an organism’s control center: it processes sensory information from outside (and inside) the body and controls all behaviors—from eating to sleeping to finding a mate. The muscular and skeletal systems provide support to the body and allow for a wide range of movement. The bones of the skeletal system protect the body’s internal organs and support the weight of the body. The muscles of the muscular system contract and pull on the bones, allowing for movements as diverse as standing, walking, running, and grasping items. Injury or disease affecting either system can be debilitating. 

In this module, students will learn about the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and musculoskeletal system, including common disorders and a brief overview of the sensory systems.

(credit: Image from Biology 2e from OpenStax, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution License v4.0 with modification of work by Stuart Grout). 

1. List and describe the functions of the structural components of a neuron
2. List and describe the four main types of neurons
3. Compare the functions of different types of glial cells
4. Describe the basis of the resting membrane potential
5. Explain the stages of an action potential and how action potentials are propagated
6. Explain the similarities and differences between chemical and electrical synapses
7. Describe long-term potentiation and long-term depression
8. Identify the spinal cord, cerebral lobes, and other brain areas on a diagram of the brain
9. Describe the basic functions of the spinal cord, cerebral lobes, and other brain areas
10. Describe the organization and functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
11. Describe the organization and function of the sensory-somatic nervous system
12. Describe the symptoms, potential causes, and treatment of several examples of nervous system disorders
13. Identify the general and special senses in humans
14. Describe three important steps in sensory perception
15. Explain the concept of just-noticeable difference in sensory perception
16. Describe four important mechanoreceptors in human skin
17. Describe the topographical distribution of somatosensory receptors between glabrous and hairy skin
18. Explain why the perception of pain is subjective
19. Explain in what way smell and taste stimuli differ from other sensory stimuli
20. Identify the five primary tastes that can be distinguished by humans
21. Explain in anatomical terms why a dog’s sense of smell is more acute than a human’s
22. Describe the relationship of amplitude and frequency of a sound wave to attributes of sound
23. Trace the path of sound through the auditory system to the site of transduction of sound
24. Identify the structures of the vestibular system that respond to gravity
25. Explain how electromagnetic waves differ from sound waves
26. Trace the path of light through the eye to the point of the optic nerve
27. Explain tonic activity as it is manifested in photoreceptors in the retina
28. Discuss the different types of skeletal systems
29. Explain the role of the human skeletal system
30. Compare and contrast different skeletal systems
31. Classify the different types of bones in the skeleton
32. Explain the role of the different cell types in bone
33. Explain how bone forms during development
34. Classify the different types of joints on the basis of structure
35. Explain the role of joints in skeletal movement
36. Classify the different types of joints on the basis of structure
37. Explain the role of joints in skeletal movement
38. Classify the different types of muscle tissue
39. Explain the role of muscles in locomotion

To achieve these objectives:  

1. Read the Module 10 Introduction 
   
2. Read and view the materials in the Module 10 Pressbooks book
   
3. Read Chapters 14, 15, and 17 in the Pressbooks book
   
4. Complete the following activities for Module 10

There is NO lab associated with this Module.

Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities