Neuroscience This course provides students with an understanding of the neuroanatomical and

Catalog description

neurophysiologic substrates of normal and abnormal human behavior. The study of cortical and subcortical anatomy and physiology includes: cranial and peripheral nerves; the ventricular system; vascular brain anatomy; the neuron and neural activity; neurotransmitters, enzymes, and other neurochemicals; the autonomic nervous system; spinal cord tracts; and proprioceptors (muscle spindles and golgi tendon organs). The neuroanatomical and physiologic functions of special senses include: the vestibular system, vision, audition, olfaction, gustation, and proprioception. The neurologic substrates of motor control, stress/emotions/motivation, learning and memory, the aging of the brain, and neuroplasticity is also reviewed. Students will learn to use their knowledge of neuroanatomical and physiologic functions of the central nervous system (CNS) to understand CNS disease, dysfunction, and injury (e.g., spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, schizophrenia, coma, Parkinson's, sensory integrative disorders). Students will also use their knowledge of neuroanatomy and physiology to begin to understand the neurologic theories underlying specific occupational therapy practices (e.g., NDT - Neurodevelopmental Treatment, PNF - Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, SI - Sensory Integration, and splinting and casting). Lab will provide the opportunities for students to directly examine human brain specimens, practice clinical neurologic exams, and develop clinical problem identification skills through case studies.During lab sessions students are also exposed to real life clients with neurological damages and learn the functional impact of the neurological problems (using the "clinic in the classroom" approach).