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PY3.1-12 | Introduction to Nerve and Muscle Physiology
Learning Objectives
- Describe the structure and function of a neuron and classify neurons by structure and function (PY3.1)
- Explain the ionic basis of the resting membrane potential using the Nernst and Goldman equations (PY3.2)
- Describe the genesis of the action potential, its ionic basis, and the properties of nerve fibres (PY3.3)
- Explain the classification of nerve fibres based on diameter and conduction velocity (PY3.4)
- Describe synaptic transmission — electrical and chemical synapses, neurotransmitter release and receptor mechanisms (PY3.5)
- Describe the structure and function of the neuromuscular junction and the molecular basis of neuromuscular transmission (PY3.6)
- Explain the molecular mechanism of skeletal muscle contraction — excitation-contraction coupling and the sliding filament theory (PY3.7)
- Describe the types of skeletal muscle fibres and their functional significance (PY3.8)
- Explain the properties of skeletal muscle — twitch, tetanus, summation, and the length-tension relationship (PY3.9)
- Describe the structure and mechanism of contraction of smooth muscle and compare it with skeletal muscle (PY3.10)
- Describe the structure and mechanism of contraction of cardiac muscle and compare it with skeletal and smooth muscle (PY3.11)
- Explain the energy metabolism of muscle — sources of ATP, oxygen debt, and fatigue (PY3.12)
INSTRUCTIONS
This module covers the physiology of nerve and muscle — the electrical and mechanical systems that make all movement possible. We'll build from the resting membrane potential through the action potential, nerve conduction, synaptic transmission, the neuromuscular junction, and finally the molecular machinery of muscle contraction.
Parallel connections: In Anatomy, you're dissecting the muscles of the upper limb — the muscles you study there are the same ones whose physiology we explore here. When you identify biceps brachii on a cadaver, you're looking at bundles of skeletal muscle fibres that contract by the sliding filament mechanism you'll learn in Part 2. In Biochemistry, the calcium and sodium ions that drive nerve impulses are the same minerals and electrolytes you're studying — and the extracellular matrix (ECM) you're learning about provides the structural scaffolding around every nerve and muscle fibre.
References
- Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th ed., Chapters 5–9: Membrane Potentials, Action Potentials, Skeletal Muscle, Cardiac Muscle, Smooth Muscle (textbook)
- Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th ed., Chapters 4–5: Excitable Tissue (Nerve & Muscle) (textbook)
- OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology 2e, Chapters 12.4–12.5 (Nerve Impulse) and Chapter 10 (Muscle Tissue) (textbook (CC BY 4.0))
- B.D. Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, Vol. 1 — Upper Limb (parallel anatomy reference) (textbook)
Version 2.0 | NMC CBUC 2024, Adapted from OpenStax A&P 2e (CC BY 4.0)