BIO-201L Lab 13: PNS and Cranial Nerves

Lab Objectives

1. Identify the basic structures of the peripheral nervous system.

2. Identify specific spinal nerves and list what comprises them.
3. Draw and identify the brachial plexus and its five terminal branches.
4. Identify the sciatic nerve.
5. Identify the sympathetic chain and its function.
6. Identify the vagus nerve and its function.
7. List the cranial nerves, their functions, and the skull foramen in which they pass through.
8. Demonstrate reflex and cranial nerve testing.
9. Define the list of terms provided below and their anatomical or physiological
significance.
10. Preview for NEXT Lab: Exam 3

Rationale

Peripheral nerve damage is an extremely common occurrence. Nerve compression often leads to
a temporary sensation of paresthesia ("pins and needles"), which is actually a reduction of
sensory input communication. If the pressure is applied for a longer duration, a temporary
paralysis may occur. This is common and usually abates given time. Chronic paresthesia on the
other hand, may be a symptom of an underlying neurological damage. It is not strictly limited to
peripheral nerve compression.

The ulnar nerve is a site of common compression. The nerve runs medially from the brachial
plexus and is well protected until it travels posterior to the medial aspect of the elbow. People
know it when this nerve is compressed abruptly and describe it as "hitting" their "funny bone."
Paresthesia due to ulnar never compression can lead to a "prickly" sensation over the fifth and
half of the medial fourth digits of the hand (pinky and ring finger).

Cranial nerves are not "immune" to irritation. A condition called Tic Douloureux (Trigeminal
Neuralgia) and Bell's palsy are examples.

This lab represents an introduction to the peripheral nervous system. This includes the cranial
nerves. This is an important topic to medicine and, when damaged, can have detrimental effects
such as paralysis, muscle weakness, sensory loss, and sometimes death.

In-Class Activities

A. Working in groups, draw the brachial plexus, identifying its five terminal branches.

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 B. Using models, work in groups and identify the l

isted structures on the terms list below.

C. Work in small groups and practice reflex and cranial nerve testing.
D. Case Study: Trigeminal Neuralgia and Bell's Palsy
E. Jeopardy: Reviewing Terms for Week 10 through 13

Terms: Plexus= Group of nerves

Identify the basic structure of the peripheral nervous system.

- Sensory vs. Motor
- Somatic vs. Visceral

Peripheral nervous system: Identify the 12 cranial nerves by name and

= Nerves that run throughout the body number, modality, and function for each
Nerve: cranial nerve. Know the foramen of the
Ganglion: Clusters of neuron cell bodies that skull in which they pass.
house millions of synapses Olfactory nerve:
Sympathetic ganglia= found closer to the Optic nerve:
spinal cord, for the fight or Oculomotor nerve:
flight.Parasympathetic ganglia are found far Trochlear nerve:
from the spine, sometimes even in the Trigeminal nerve:

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certain organ they are sending the message Abducens nerve:
too. Facial nerve:
Plexus: composed of afferent(arrive) and Vestibulocochlear nerve:
efferent (exit)nefibers, it’s a group of nerves Glossopharyngeal nerve:
Neuron (multipolar only): Vagus nerve:
- Dendrite Accessory nerve:
- Soma Hypoglossal nerve:
- Axon hillock- neck of neuron
- Axon
- Telodendria
- Axon terminals (synaptic knob)
Spinal nerve:
- Intervertebral foramen:
Highlighting the brachial plexus: collection of
nerves going down into the arm:
- Axillary nerve:
- Musculocutaneous nerve:
- Radial nerve:
- Median nerve:
- Ulnar nerve:
Highlighting important nerves:
- Femoral nerve: (in our leg)
- Sciatic nerve: ( this is under femoral)
- Tibial nerve:
- Common peroneal (fibular) nerve:
Sympathetic chain and ganglion
Parasympathetic nerves (especially vagus
nerve)

© 2018. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.

© 2018. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.