BY 264 Spring 2025 Study Outline - Midterm Study Guide

BY 264 Spring 2025 Study Outline - Midterm Lab Notes

Lab 1: Compound Microscope and Neuron Anatomy

  1. Different Parts of a Compound Microscope

    • Objective Lenses: Multiple lenses for varying magnification levels.

    • Eyepiece (Ocular Lens): Lens the viewer looks through, typically 10x magnification.

    • Stage: Platform where the slide is placed for viewing.

    • Coarse Focus Knob: Used for initial focusing of the specimen.

    • Fine Focus Knob: Used for precise focusing after using the coarse adjustment.

    • Illuminator: Light source to illuminate the specimen.

    • Base: Support structure for the microscope.

  2. Calculation of Total Magnification

    • Formula: ext{Total Magnification} = ext{Eyepiece Magnification} imes ext{Objective Lens Magnification}.

    • Example: If eyepiece = 10x and objective = 40x, then total magnification = 10 imes 40 = 400x.

  3. Parts of a Neuron (Identify from model)

    • Cell Body: Contains the nucleus and organelles.

    • Nucleus: Stores genetic material.

    • Nucleolus: Produces ribosomes.

    • Dendrite: Receives signals from other neurons.

    • Axon Hillock: Connects the cell body to the axon and initiates action potentials.

    • Axon: Transmits impulses away from the cell body.

    • Myelin Sheath: Insulates the axon to increase transmission speed.

      • Schwann Cells: Form myelin in the peripheral nervous system.

      • Oligodendrocytes: Form myelin in the central nervous system.

    • Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps in myelin sheath for faster signal conduction.

    • Axon Terminal: Releases neurotransmitters to communicate with other neurons.

  4. Types of Neurons

    • Unipolar Neuron: Single process extending from the cell body, primarily found in sensory neurons of the peripheral nervous system.

    • Bipolar Neuron: Two processes (one axon, one dendrite), found in sensory organs like the retina.

    • Multipolar Neuron: Multiple dendrites and one axon, common in motor neurons and central nervous system.

  5. Microscopic Appearance of Neurons

    • Important structures to identify:

      • Dendrite: Short, branching projections.

      • Axon: Long projection that transmits impulses.

      • Cell Body: Central part with a large nucleus.

      • Nucleus: Darkly stained area in the cell body.

  6. Waste Disposal Protocols

    • Black Trashcan: For regular waste.

    • Beige Trashcan: For general materials (e.g., paper, plastics).

    • Sharps Container (Red): For all sharp objects like needles and blades.

  7. Lab Dress Code

    • Proper lab attire required: closed-toe shoes, lab coats, safety goggles.

Lab 2: Sheep Brain Dissection and Cranial Nerves

  1. Anatomical Structures from Sheep Brain Dissection

    • Identified key regions of the sheep brain during dissection.

  2. Functions of Cranial Nerves

    • Focus on Olfactory and Optic nerves:

      • Olfactory Nerve: Responsible for the sense of smell.

      • Optic Nerve: Related to vision.

    • Optic Nerve: Distinct “U” shape.

    • Optic Tract: Distinct INCORRECT orientation with an upside-down “U” shape.

    • Optic Chiasm: The crossover point of the optic nerves.

  3. Parts of the Human Brain Model

    • Familiarize with the various sections of the human brain model.

  4. Different Lobes of the Brain

    • Frontal Lobe: Associated with executive functions, decision-making.

    • Temporal Lobe: Involved in processing auditory information and memory.

    • Parietal Lobe: Integrates sensory information and spatial awareness.

    • Occipital Lobe: Responsible for visual processing.

Lab 3: EEG Equipment and Brain Activities

  1. Parts of EEG Equipment Used

    • BIOPAC Unit: Main device for recording EEG signals.

    • Leads: Cables connecting electrodes, NOT wires.

    • Electrodes: Sensors placed on the scalp to detect electrical activity.

  2. Standard Deviation of Brain Waves

    • Understanding measured ranges for different brain wave types.

  3. Human Conditions Related to Brain Waves

    • Different brain states correspond to specific wave types:

      • Awake & Alert: Beta waves (high frequency).

      • Awake & Relaxed: Alpha waves (medium frequency).

      • Deep Sleep: Delta waves (low frequency).

  4. Microscopic Structures of a Spinal Cord Slide

    • Identifying diagram:

      • “V” shape indicates the ventral side; important in distinguishing dorsal and ventral structures.

  5. White vs Gray Matter

    • White Matter: Consists of myelinated axons; lighter in color on models.

    • Gray Matter: Contains neuronal cell bodies and unmyelinated axons; darker in color.

Lab 4: Nerve Plexuses and Reflexes

  1. Identifying Different Nerve Plexuses

    • Color-coded yellow nerves on human models:

      • Brachial Plexus: Network of nerves supplying the upper limb.

      • Lumbar Plexus: Supplies the lower back and legs.

      • Sacral Plexus: Supplies the pelvis and lower limbs.

  2. Vertebral/Spinal Regions of Nerve Plexuses

    • Brachial Plexus: Originates from the thoracic region.

    • Lumbar Plexus: Originates from the lumbar region.

    • Sacral Plexus: Originates from the sacral region.

    • Mnemonic: “BREAKFAST @ 7, LUNCH @ 12, DINNER @ 5??” signifies the sequence of plexus origins.

  3. Identifying Nerves in Cat Dissection

    • Specific nerves to identify in cat's arm and leg:

      • Ulnar Nerve (brachial plexus).

      • Median/Medial Nerve (brachial plexus).

      • Radial Nerve (brachial plexus).

      • Femoral Nerve (lumbar plexus).

      • Saphenous Nerve (lumbar plexus).

      • Sciatic Nerve (sacral plexus).

      • Common Fibular Nerve (sacral plexus; runs to the OUTSIDE of knee).

      • Tibial Nerve (sacral plexus; runs to the INSIDE of knee).

  4. Equipment for Triggering Reflexes

    • Reflex Hammer: Used to elicit and assess reflex responses.

  5. Listing Human Reflexes

    • Common reflexes:

      • Patellar Reflex (knee jerk).

      • Calcaneal Reflex (ankle jerk).

Lab 5: Eye and Ear Anatomy

  1. Anatomical Structures from Cow Eye Dissection

    • Important features to identify:

      • Tapetum Lucidum: Iridescent layer for night vision, visible in some animals.

      • Choroid Coat: Dark, pigmented layer; located posterior of the eye.

      • Retina: Covers the tapetum lucidum and the choroid (beige in color); anchored to the fibrous tunic at the blind spot.

  2. Anatomical Structures on Ear Model

    • Identify various components of the ear model discussed.

  3. Microscopic Structures of a Retina Slide

    • Important structures to identify:

      • Choroid: Provides nutrients to the retina.

      • Nuclei of Rods and Cones: Photoreceptor cells (PCR) crucial for vision.

      • Nuclei of Bipolar Cells: Relay signals from rods and cones to ganglion cells.

      • Nuclei of Ganglion Cells: Final layer of retina; their axons form the optic nerve.

  4. Identifying Structures on Eye Model

    • Familiarize with the eye model's key anatomical parts.

  5. Diagnostic Tests Conducted by Eye Doctors

    • Disorders for which tests may be performed:

      • Astigmatism: Irregular curvature of the eye.

      • Colorblindness: Inability to distinguish certain colors.

      • Visual Acuity: Measure clarity of vision.

    • Utilized diagnostic tests in lab:

      • Otoscope: Used to examine the ear, particularly for conditions like otitis media.