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Gross Function of the Nervous System: Let your brain learn about itself Virtual Lab

Enter Labster's Anatomy and Physiology lab to explore the structures and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Learn about the nervous system’s fundamental cells and neurons and how they communicate with each other through synapses.

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Gross Function of the Nervous System: Let your brain learn about itself

About this Simulation

This is the full-length version of the simulation. You can also play the simulation in two smaller parts: "Introduction to the Nervous System" and "Microanatomy of a Neuron."In this simulation, you will explore your nervous system and its subdivisions on a 3D model. You’ll even see how a signal travels in your body when you decide to take a step - or how your body reacts in the presence of a dangerous predator! You will also take a deep dive into the microanatomy of a neuron to learn about its components and how they communicate with each other through synapses. Learn about your nervous system with 3D models Begin by identifying the parts of your central and peripheral nervous system on a 3D model. You can click through its structures to get information about your brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Dig deeper into the subdivisions of the peripheral nervous system to learn about the sensory, motor, and autonomic divisions through fun challenges. Can you observe your own body to define what happens when sympathetic and parasympathetic responses are triggered?Microanatomy of a neuronNeurons come in many shapes and sizes. Use a 3D model to discover the roles of the axon, dendrites, axon terminal, and the cell body of a neuron. Learn how to categorize neurons structurally and functionally. Next, you will learn how these excitable cells communicate with each other. Watch an animated scene of signal transmission then compare electrical and chemical synapses and learn about the role of neurotransmitters. Build different types of neuronsIn the end, you will have a unique opportunity to assemble different types of neurons such as interneurons, motor neurons, and sensory neurons to discover differences in their structure. Will you be able to guess how these work together in your own body to answer the final questions?

Learning Objectives

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Compare the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems

  • Compare the microanatomy and roles of the three functional types of neuron

  • Summarize roles of chemical and electrical synapses in neurotransmission

Techniques in Lab

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

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