Course aims, tasks, and learning outcomes

 The aim of this course is to enable the student to apply previously acquired knowledge of Neuroanatomy and Physiology and Pathophysiology, and to acquire knowledge about the normal functioning of the nervous system, as well as knowledge about the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to the disorders of the normal functioning and the occurrence of a specific disease.

 Classes are held in the summer semester of the second year of study: 26 hours of lectures, 18 hours of seminars and 16 hours of practicals, which totals 5 ECTS. Immediately after held classes, two exam dates are planned. The objective of the course is to gain knowledge about the normal and disturbed functioning of the nervous system to the extent necessary for further successful study monitoring. The task of teaching is to acquire basic knowledge about the functional organization of the nervous system as a substrate of physiological and pathophysiological conditions, as well as to acquire knowledge about basic neurophysiological and neuropathological processes. Classes are performed in the form of lectures, seminars, and practicals, which include using computer programs like Biopack and SymBioSys that present physiological functions or certain diseases in humans, and program-oriented class. Certain pathological conditions are also demonstrated on animal models. Part of the seminars is conducted as a problem-oriented class so that students can solve physiological and pathophysiological problems with the help of the teacher based on typical anamnestic and diagnostic data. 

At seminars and exercises, the student with the teacher actively discusses the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms.

Course outline 

General organization of the nervous system: central, peripheral, and autonomous; Neuronal cellular biology: microenvironment of a neuron – glial cells; Cerebral blood flow and its disorders; Blood-brain barrier and its disorders; Cerebrospinal fluid and hydrocephalus; General energy metabolism of the brain; Fundamental neurophysiological processes: membrane and action potentials; Emergence and spreading of the nerve impulse; Structure and function of synapses; Neurotransmitters and their receptors: biochemical features of synthesis and decomposition, distribution and interaction of neurotransmitter systems; Membrane receptors: division, structure, activation, distribution; pathophysiology of the nervous transmission; Neural circuits for information processing; Organization of sensory systems and sensory functions: somatic (receptors) and special senses (vision, hearing, balance, taste, smell); Sensory disorders, pathophysiological background of pain; General organization of the motor system: spinal and supraspinal reflexes; Pyramidal and extrapyramidal motor system; Basal ganglia function: cerebellar motoric control, motoric nervous disorders; Autonomic nervous system: physiological and pathophysiological aspects; General and managing brain functions: ascending reticular activation system (attention, vigilance, sleep); Limbic system (emotions, neuroendocrinology of behavior), sexuality; Higher brain functions: laminar and vertical organization of the cerebral cortex: integrative function of the nervous system; Intellectual functions (memory, thinking, speech); Mental function disorders.

Developing general competencies (knowledge and skills) At the end of this course, the student will be able to: 

1. interpret and explain the basics of nervous system functioning 

2. interpret and explain the basics of nervous system disorders

 3. connect and determine the importance of the nervous system within the organism

 Developing specific competencies (knowledge and skills) 

At the end of this course, the student will be able to: 

1. explain the principles of emergence and spreading of the action potential (impulse), as well as the basis for the pathophysiology of the nervous transmission 

2. explain the concept of synaptic transmission, biochemical features of synthesis and decomposition, and distribution and interaction of neurotransmitter systems 

3. list and describe the division, structure, distribution, and activation of membrane receptors 

4. explain somatic (touch, pressure, position, pain, temperature) and special senses (vision, hearing, taste, smell, balance), from sensory receptors and input (afferent) fibers to the cerebral cortex 

5. explain pathophysiological processes associated with damages to somatosensory and special senses 

6. explain the role of the nervous system in motor control: organization of the motor unit, spinal motor system control, voluntary motor movements, posture, role of basal ganglia and small brain in motion control 

7. explain the general and managing brain functions, states of vigilance and consciousness, emotions and mood

 8. explain the reaction and importance of the autonomic nervous system 

9. describe types of learning and memory, cellular learning and memory mechanisms, and learning and memory disorders

 10. describe the structure and function of the blood-brain barrier, cerebrospinal fluid, blood flow regulation mechanisms and circulatory disorders (cerebrovascular insult)