Macquarie University

Neurophysiology - BIOL257

This Unit considers the structure and function of the human nervous system. We begin with a discussion on how the selective permeability of the cell membrane gives rise to the electrical properties of cells, in particular nerve and muscle cells. We look in detail at the generation, propagation and transmission of neural signals, and examine the important principles of sensory physiology such as transduction, adaptation and stimulus coding. Students then study the anatomy and functional organization of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Having covered these basic principles, the Unit goes on to explore the somatosensory system, which is involved in proprioception and the perception of touch, pain and temperature. The nerves and organs that give rise to the special senses (vision, hearing, taste and smell) are also discussed. We next examine the structure and physiology of muscle cells, and the central control of motor functions. Lastly, we cover the autonomic nervous system and the neuroendocrine system, both of which regulate numerous physiological processes throughout the body.This unit is designed to serve science, medical science and chiropractic students, and is also of interest to students studying psychology with an emphasis on physiology.