Common Course Outline

Catalog Description

Course Description

This course will cover in detail the anatomy and physiology of the nervous and respiratory systems.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

February, 2026

Outline of Major Content Areas

1. Nervous System
   1. Organization of the nervous system
   2. CNS
   3. PNS
2. Nervous tissue
   1. Neurons
   2. Neuroglia
   3. White matter and gray matter
3. Protection
   1. Blood brain barrier
   2. Meninges
   3. Cerebrospinal fluid
4. Spinal cord
   1. External and internal anatomy
   2. Sensory and motor tracts
   3. Spinal nerves
   4. Reflexes
5. Brain
   1. Functional areas of the cortex
   2. Basal nuclei
   3. Diencephalon - thalamus and hypothalamus
   4. Limbic system
   5. Brain stem – midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata
   6. Reticular formation and reticular activating system
   7. Cerebellum
6. Cranial Nerves
7. Autonomic nervous system
   1. Parasympathetic division
   2. Sympathetic division
8. General senses and sensory receptors
9. Special senses
10. Gustation and olfaction
11. The eye and vision
12. The ear - hearing and equilibrium
13. Homeostatic imbalances
14. Respiratory System
15. Anatomy and histology
16. Gas laws
17. Inspiration and expiration
18. External respiration
19. Internal respiration
20. Gas transport
21. Control of breathing
22. Homeostatic imbalances

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to use vocabulary/terminology appropriately both orally and in writing.
2. Demonstrate proper use and care of the microscope.
3. Identify major anatomical structures of the nervous and respiratory systems.
4. Identify the histology of major organs in the body systems listed above.
5. Relate the structure of major organs/glands in the systems listed above to their functions.
6. Explain physiological principles specific to each body system listed above.
7. Predict how homeostatic imbalance(s) can lead to disease.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 3/Natural Sciences

The student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of scientific theories.
2. Formulate and test hypotheses by performing laboratory simulation, or field experiments in at least two of
3. the natural science disciplines. One of these experimental components should develop, in greater depth,
4. student’s laboratory experience in the collection of data, it’s statistical and graphical analysis, and an
5. appreciation of its sources of error and uncertainty.
6. Communicate their experimental findings, analyses, and interpretations both orally and in writing.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

• Lecture exams-objective and/or subjective
• Lecture and/or laboratory quizzes
• Laboratory practical exams
• Lecture and laboratory assignments and/or reports

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking

Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

The initial lab session explains and familiarizes the student with general safety hazards and safety equipment in the lab. During the pre-lab discussion, the hazardous characteristics of any materials used during the lab are discussed. In addition, if the lab involves any potentially infectious material, the students will be instructed about the proper use and disposal. The instructor will direct all students to wear necessary protective equipment while working with any hazardous chemicals. Safety Data Sheets for chemicals used are available online.