CTSPlanner
Sign-in not configured
← Health Care Services

HCS2050 Nervous System & Senses

Intermediate · 1 credit · HRH - Health, Recreation, and Human Services

Description
Students acquire the attitudes, knowledge and skills necessary for the promotion and maintenance of a healthy nervous and sensory system. Students study pathologies of the nervous system and sensory organs, and gain an appreciation for practising a healthy lifestyle as it pertains to the individual, family, peers and community.
Prerequisite
HSS1010: Health Services Foundations
Supporting courses
HCS2060: Endocrine System

Outcomes The student will:

  • 1 explain the basic anatomy and function of the nervous system

    • 1.1 define common terms related to the nervous system using a list of prefixes, roots and suffixes

    • 1.2 describe the organization of the nervous system according to structure, including:

      • 1.2.1 naming and locating basic components of the central nervous system, including grey and white matter

      • 1.2.2 naming and locating basic components of the peripheral nervous system, including dermatomes

    • 1.3 describe the organization of the nervous system and sensory organs according to function, including:

      • 1.3.1 identifying voluntary and involuntary controls in the body

      • 1.3.2 identifying effectors in the somatic and autonomic systems

      • 1.3.3 differentiating between the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic system

      • 1.3.4 differentiating between special senses and general senses

    • 1.4 explain the structure and function of neurons and neuroglia by:

      • 1.4.1 diagramming the structure of neurons

      • 1.4.2 differentiating between sensory, afferent and efferent neurons, and interneurons

      • 1.4.3 differentiating between myelinated and unmyelinated neurons

    • 1.5 explain the structure and function of nerves and tracts, including afferent, efferent and mixed nerves

    • 1.6 summarize how a nerve impulse is transmitted by:

      • 1.6.1 describing the roles of sensory receptors, including sensory neurons, effectors and specialized sensory cells

      • 1.6.2 classifying sensory receptors into four categories (chemoreceptors, photoreceptors, thermoreceptors and mechanoreceptors)

      • 1.6.3 explaining sensory adaptation

      • 1.6.4 diagramming an action potential

      • 1.6.5 explaining the role of myelin in relation to action potential

      • 1.6.6 describing impulse transmission at the synapse, including the function of several neurotransmitters and the role of cellular receptors in the action of neurotransmission

    • 1.7 analyze a reflex arc using personal experiences by:

      • 1.7.1 describing the components of a reflex arc

      • 1.7.2 describing several examples of reflexes in the body

      • 1.7.3 demonstrating location of personal reflexes

    • 1.8 name and locate the structures of the brain, including the:

      • 1.8.1 four main divisions of the brain (cerebrum, diencephalon, brain stem, cerebellum)

      • 1.8.2 lobes of the cerebrum (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, insula)

      • 1.8.3 thalamus and hypothalamus

      • 1.8.4 pituitary and pineal glands

      • 1.8.5 midbrain, pons and medulla oblongata

      • 1.8.6 limbic system, including hippocampus and reticular formation

      • 1.8.7 protective structures, including meninges, cerebrospinal fluid and blood-brain barrier

      • 1.8.8 twelve cranial nerves

      • 1.8.9 grey and white matter

      • 1.8.10 central and lateral sulci

      • 1.8.11 basal nuclei

      • 1.8.12 fibrils in the cerebral cortex

    • 1.9 describe the basic function of each of the structures of the brain

    • 1.10 name and locate the structures of the eye, including:

      • 1.10.1 structures that protect the eyeball

      • 1.10.2 layers of the eyeball (sclera, choroid, retina)

      • 1.10.3 rods and cones

      • 1.10.4 aqueous humor and vitreous humor

      • 1.10.5 lens

      • 1.10.6 major muscles that move the eyeball

      • 1.10.7 intrinsic muscles (iris, ciliary muscles)

      • 1.10.8 sensory nerves that connect to the eye

    • 1.11 describe the function of each of the structures of the eye

    • 1.12 explain the process of refraction as light rays pass through the eye

    • 1.13 differentiate between rods and cones, comparing shape, number, distribution, stimulus, visual acuity, pigments and colour perception

    • 1.14 name and locate the structures of the outer, middle and inner ear

    • 1.15 describe how structures of the ear function to maintain static and dynamic equilibrium

    • 1.16 describe how the structures of the ear function for an individual to hear sound

    • 1.17 describe the functions of the sensory system, including allowing:

      • 1.17.1 touch and/or pressure

      • 1.17.2 pain

      • 1.17.3 temperature

      • 1.17.4 taste

      • 1.17.5 kinesthesia and position

      • 1.17.6 smell

    • 1.18 compare the roles of the nervous system, sensory system and endocrine system as systems involved in coordination and control

  • 2 evaluate factors that contribute to the promotion and maintenance of healthy nervous system and senses

    • 2.1 summarize the role of the nervous system and sensory system in achieving and maintaining wellness

    • 2.2 summarize the basic effects of aging on the function of the nervous system

    • 2.3 explain the effect of aging on the function of the sensory system

    • 2.4 predict the effect of lifestyle choices on the wellness of the nervous and sensory systems, including choices related to cultural beliefs and practices

    • 2.5 recommend preventative lifestyle choices required for nervous and sensory system wellness, including describing the relationship of:

      • 2.5.1 active living to the health of the nervous and sensory systems

      • 2.5.2 proper nutrition to the health of the nervous and sensory systems

  • 3 explain the basic pathology and treatment of conditions of the nervous system

    • 3.1 summarize the signs and symptoms of common conditions of the nervous system

    • 3.2 summarize causes of nervous system pathologies

    • 3.3 describe diagnostic procedures available for conditions of the nervous system

    • 3.4 summarize medical and integrative health treatments available for conditions of the nervous system

    • 3.5 describe the impact of pathologies of the nervous system on other body systems

    • 3.6 explain the social, emotional and economic impact of these conditions on the individual, family, peers and community

    • 3.7 summarize community resources available for people living with nervous system pathologies

  • 4 explain the basic pathology and treatment of conditions of the sensory organs

    • 4.1 summarize the signs and symptoms of common conditions related to sensory organs

    • 4.2 summarize causes of pathologies related to sensory organs

    • 4.3 describe diagnostic procedures available for conditions related to sensory organs

    • 4.4 summarize medical and integrative health treatments available for conditions related to sensory organs

    • 4.5 describe the impact of pathologies of the sensory organs on other body systems

    • 4.6 explain the social, emotional and economic impact of these conditions on the individual, family, peers and community

    • 4.7 summarize community resources available for people living with sensory organ pathologies

  • 5 demonstrate basic competencies

    • 5.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:

      • 5.1.1 communicate

      • 5.1.2 manage information

      • 5.1.3 use numbers

      • 5.1.4 think and solve problems

    • 5.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:

      • 5.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours

      • 5.2.2 be responsible

      • 5.2.3 be adaptable

      • 5.2.4 learn continuously

      • 5.2.5 work safely

    • 5.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:

      • 5.3.1 work with others

      • 5.3.2 participate in projects and tasks

  • 6 identify possible life roles related to the skills and content of this cluster

    • 6.1 recognize and then analyze the opportunities and barriers in the immediate environment

    • 6.2 identify potential resources to minimize barriers and maximize opportunities

Program of Studies 2010. Source document, © Alberta Education.