Anatomy and physiology labs

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Introduction to ScienceExperiment 2Virtual Model - The Nervous System Experiment Inventory

Materials Virtual Model

*Internet Access

*Computer Access

Note: You must provide the materials listed in *red.

© eScience Labs, 2016

EXPERIMENT 2: VIRTUAL MODEL - THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

The previous experiment provided an overview of the microscopic structure of the nervous system. However, the macroscopic or ganization also provides important information about the function of the nervous system in the body. In this experiment, you will use the virtual model to identify the nervous system components with respect to the body as a unit.

PROCEDURE

1. Open the virtual model website.

2. Familiarize yourself with the virtual model. Navigate the model by using the commands below:

a. Select the body system of interest from the box in the upper left-hand corner of the model. Note that some body

systems may have multiple options for viewing (e.g., for the nervous system, you can select either the general

anatomy or the brain).

b. Hover your cursor over different areas on the model to display labeled terms.

c. Click on any component of the body to view a description of its function.

d. In the bottom right-hand corner of the model you will see a two magnifying glasses with a “+” at the bottom and

a “-“ at the top. Click on these buttons to zoom in and out of the virtual model.

e. When zoomed in, use your cursor to click and drag the virtual model to the area of interest.

g. Use the “Views” pop-up menu to change the orientation of the virtual model. These options may include the

anterior view, posterior view, lateral view, superior view, and inferior view of the virtual model. Note that not

all options may be available for each system.

h. Some systems may have multiple layers to explore. Click on “Layers” pop-up menu to access a deeper

layer of the system of interest if available for the system being observed.

3. After you are comfortable with the Virtual Model interface, select the Nervous System option. Then select General Anatomy.

4. Click through the nervous system components in the upper and lower body, including the spinal cord and nerves.

Note: Zoom in on the nervous system to reveal all elements. Some components are only visible when you

zoom in. Remember that you will need to reorient the virtual model to observe the entirety of the nervous sys-

tem.

5. Hover the cursor over different components to view the name. Click on each component to view a description of it.

Hint: Review the post-lab questions as you work through the nervous system.

6. As you move through the model, take a screenshot or use your cell phone to take a picture of the nervous system compo-

nents listed below. Submit these images to your instructor along with your post-lab questions.

a. Intercostal Nerve

b. Sciatic Nerve

Hint: Be sure to hover your mouse over the nervous system component to reveal its label in the image.

7. Once you have completed your overview of the general anatomy of the nervous system, select the Brain option under the

Nervous System.

8. Click through the different components of the brain.

Note: Zoom in on the nervous system to reveal all elements. Some components are only visible when you

zoom in. Remember that you will need to reorient the virtual model to observe the entirety of the nervous sys-

tem.

9. Hover the cursor over different components of the brain to view the name. Click on each component to view a description of

it.

Hint: Review the post-lab questions as you work through the

brain.

10. Click the “Depth” button to view the second layer of the brain. Note that

the second layer can only be seen when the virtual model is in the lateral

view (Figure 14).

Figure 14: Work your way through the nervous system and the brain to better understand the anatomical placement and function of this system.

11. As you move through the model, take a screenshot or use your cell phone

to take a picture of the brain components listed below. Submit these imag-

es to your instructor along with your post-lab questions.

a. Corpus Callosum

b. Cerebral Peduncle

© eScience Labs, 2016

Hint: Be sure to hover your mouse over the brain component to reveal its label in the image.

12. Answer the post-lab questions when you have finished exploring the brain and the nervous system.

© eScience Labs, 2016