Quick Challenges

Have students explain the effects of diseases that cause a loss of myelination.

Have students explain the effects of blocking the movement of sodium ions on nervous system function.

Ask students to explain the peripheral nervous system components needed to walk up the steps.

Have students describe the effects of blocking acetylcholine on the autonomic nervous system.

Have students assess the effects on the nervous system of too much calcium in the diet.

Ask students to explain why complete damage to the brain still leaves the body with many intact functions.

Ask students to explain why certain people are able to control autonomic nervous system responses.

Have students find a medical application for a chemical that blocks sodium transport across the cell membrane.

Ask the students to design an experiment to investigate the role of oligodendrites on central nervous system function.

Ask students to evaluate the benefits and risks of using mood altering drugs that inhibit the uptake of certain brain neurotransmitters.

Ask students to evaluate the accuracy science fiction books that envision a future in which human thoughts are controlled by drugs.

Ask students to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of wasp control insecticides that block the action of acetylcholine.