: #72a376;">NANSLO REMOTE LAB ACTIVITY

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SUBJECT SEMESTER: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

TYPE OF LAB:  XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

 

 

TITLE OF LAB:  Histology - Neuronal Tissue

 

Histology - Neuronal Tissue NANSLO Lab Activity in Word Format last updated June 30, 2014.

 

Lab format: This lab is a remote lab activity.

 

Relationship to theory (if appropriate):  In this lab you will learn the underlying principles behind the histological study of tissues. 

 

Instructions for Instructors:  This protocol is written under an open source CC BY license. You may use the procedure as is or modify as necessary for your class.  Be sure to let your students know if they should complete optional exercises in this lab procedure as lab technicians will not know if you want your students to complete optional exercises.

 

Instructions for Students:  Read the complete laboratory procedure before coming to lab.  Under the experimental sections, complete all pre-lab materials before logging on to the remote lab.  Complete data collection sections during your online period, and answer questions in analysis sections after your online period.  Your instructor will let you know if you are required to complete any optional exercises in this lab.

 

Remote Resources:  Primary – Microscope, Secondary – Histology slide set.

 

CONTENTS FOR THIS NANSLO LAB ACTIVITY:

 

Learning Objectives
Background Information
Equipment
Experimental Procedure
Exercise 1:  Medulla Oblongata

Exercise 2:  Nerve Ending in Muscle
Summary Questions
Preparing for the NANSLO Lab Activity

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

 

1. Overview of histology and tissue types
1. Define the term histology.
2. List four major tissue types.
3. Contrast the general features of the four major tissue types.
2. Identify and describe the function of the different parts of the neuron.  

 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

 

A living organism is composed of a variety of cells of different sizes, shapes, structures and specialized functions. Cells of similar type are usually organized into groups. A group of cells with similar size, shape, structure and function form a tissue.  There are four general classes of tissues.  These classes are epithelial, connective, muscle, and neuronal. In this lab, we will use histology to examine neuronal tissues.

Histology¹ is the branch of biology concerned with the composition and structure of plant and animal tissues in relation to their specialized functions. The terms histology and microscopic anatomy are sometimes used interchangeably, but a fine distinction can be drawn between the two studies. The fundamental aim of histology is to determine how tissues are organized at all structural levels from cells and intercellular substances to organs.

Neurons, also called nerve cells, are basic cells of the nervous system in vertebrates. A typical neuron has a cell body containing a nucleus and two or more long fibers. Impulses are carried along one or more of these fibers, called dendrites, to the cell body.  In higher nervous systems, only one fiber, the axon, carries the impulse away from the cell body.  Bundles of fibers from neurons are held together by connective tissue and form nerves. Some nerves in large vertebrates are several feet long.  A sensory neuron transmits impulses from a receptor, such as those in the eye or ear, to a more central location in the nervous system, such as the spinal cord or brain. A motor neuron transmits impulses from a central area of the nervous system to an effector, such as a muscle.

 

Figure 1:  Neurons
 

 

Encyclopædia Britannica Online
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/media/173380/A-schematic-shows-neurons-and-a-synapse-Neurons-respond-to  (accessed 06/24/2014)

 

Encyclopædia Britannica Online

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/267172/histology  (accessed 06/24/2014)

 

Encyclopædia Britannica Online

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/410669/neuron  (accessed 06/24/2014)

 

EQUIPMENT:

• Paper
• Pencil/pen
• Slides
• Medulla Oblongata slide
• Nerve endings in muscle slide
• Lymph node slide
• Tendon white fibrous connective tissue slide
• Skin pigmented slide
• Hyaline cartilage slide
• Compact bone slide
• Computer with Internet access (for the remote laboratory and for data analysis)

 

PREPARING FOR THIS NANSLO LAB ACTIVITY:

 

Read and understand the information below before you proceed with the lab!

  

Scheduling an Appointment Using the NANSLO Scheduling System

 

Your instructor has reserved a block of time through the NANSLO Scheduling System for you to complete this activity. For more information on how to set up a time to access this NANSLO lab activity, see www.wiche.edu/nanslo/scheduling-software.  

 

Students Accessing a NANSLO Lab Activity for the First Time

 

You must install software on your computer before accessing a NANSLO lab activity for the first time. Use this link to access instructions on how to install this software based on the NANSLO lab listed below that you will use to access your lab activity – www.wiche.edu/nanslo/lab-tutorials.

 

1. NANSLO Colorado Node -- all Colorado colleges.
2. NANSLO Montana Node -- Great Falls College Montana State University, Flathead Valley Community College, Lake Area Technical Institute, and Laramie County Community College.
3. NANSLO British Columbia Node -- Kodiak College.

 

Using the Microscope for a NANSLO Remote Web-based Science Lab Activity

 

We've provided you with three ways to learn how to use the microscope for this NANSLO lab activity:

 

1. Read these instructions.
2. Watch this short video. 
3. Print off these instructions to read (PDF version of the instructions.)

 

 

NOTE:   The conference number in this video tutorial is an example.  See “Communicating with Your Lab Partners” below to determine the toll free number and pin to use for your NANSLO lab activity.

 

 

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE:

 

Once you have logged on to the remote lab system, you will perform the following laboratory procedures.  See How to Use the Remote NANSLO Microscope for instructions on using the interface to control the equipment used in this lab activity.

 

During the study of each type of human tissue, you are required to photograph and label a representative sample of each tissue type. You should begin your microscopic examination of the tissue slide using the 4X objective to give you a perspective of the entire structure.  This is very important, since sometimes more than one tissue type is often present on each slide. All observations should be made using the 40X or 60X objective lens (whichever gives you the best results.)

 

EXERCISE 1:  Medulla Oblongata

 

Data Collection:

 

1. Select the medulla oblongata slide (Slide Cassette TBD) from the microscope interface. Using the 10X objective, locate the tissue sample and bring it into focus. 
2. Carefully work your way through all the objectives focusing with each one until you reach the 40X objective and capture an image of the medulla oblongata.  Insert your image below.  

 

Analysis (can be completed offline:)

 

3. Using your imageof the medulla oblongata, label the soma, nucleus, dendrites, and axon.  Insert your image here.

 

EXERCISE 2:  Nerve Endings in Muscle

 

Data Collection:

 

1. Select the motor nerve endings slide (Slide Cassette TBD) from the microscope interface. Using the 10X objective, locate the tissue sample and bring it into focus.
2. Carefully work your way through all the objectives, focusing with each one, until you reach the 40X objective and capture an image of the adipose tissue.  Insert your image below.

 

Analysis (can be completed offline:)

 

3. Using your image of the nerve endings, label the muscle fibers, motor neuron, and synaptic knob.  Insert your image below.

 

 

SUMMARY QUESTIONS:

 

The structure of a neuron is uniquely adapted to generating, propagating, and transmitting action potentials.  Describe their functions below.

 

1. Soma (cell body)
2. Nucleus
3. Dendrite
4. Axon hillock
5. Axon
6. Myelin sheath
7. Nodes of Ranvier

 

For more information about NANSLO, visit www.wiche.edu/nanslo.

 

All material produced subject to:

Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License 3  

 

 

This product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.  The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor.  The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not lim ited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.