NEURON ANATOMY COMPARISON

Loretta Loykasek

Overview

In this activity students will be introduced to the size of neurons by drawing and labeling a typical motor neuron from their textbook, then drawing one to scale on a large piece of paper. The comparison and contrast of the two drawings allows the student to understand that some material presented to them may be misleading. This activity integrates manipulatives with mathematics, art and science and gives students a concrete basis from which to build a further understanding of neuron anatomy.

Biological Concepts

• Neuron anatomy

Class Time

This activity will require one 45-50 minute class period.

Background Information

Students should be familiar with the basic anatomy of a motor neuron prior to this activity. The teacher may want to discuss and review the following terms: diameter, length, width, axon, dendritic tree, myelin sheath, internode, node, and cell body. To complete this activity, have students follow directions and answer questions on student activity sheet.

Materials

• metric ruler, meter stick

• butcher paper, appx. 40" X 40"/for every 4 students

• pencil/pen

• map colors/markers

• calculator

• textbook

• one copy of activity worksheet per student

• I recommend the following CD-ROM’s for enrichment of this activity: Body Works 5.0 or Explorations in Human Biology

Teacher Preparation

Prior to activity, teacher should cut paper to appropriate size . One piece of butcher paper is required for each group of four students. Teacher should explain the parts and functions of neurons before beginning this activity.

Extensions/Variations

• Have students look at a motor neuron cell body under the microscope.

• Students may make a 3-D model of a neuron to scale using measurements given in this activity.

• The teacher may make a 3-D model to scale (using any appropriate material) to show to students as reinforcement of this activity.

• Discussion and calculation to scale of other body parts such as: blood cells, sensory neurons or a small interneuron in the brain.

Resources

Drewes, Charles. Neurobiology: A Manual of Concepts and Laboratory Activities. Woodrow Wilson National Leadership Program for Teachers. Princeton, N.J. July 1996.

BodyWorks 5.0 (CD-ROM). Soft Key, Cambridge, Ma. 02142

Explorations in Human Biology (CD-ROM). William C Brown Publishers. Times-Mirror Company. St. Louis, Mo.

About the Author

Loretta Loykasek is a biology, and anatomy and physiology teacher at Burleson High School in Burleson, Texas. She can be contacted at Burleson High School, 517 S.W. Johnson Avenue, Burleson, Texas, 76028. Phone #--817-447-5700.

NAME:_____________________________________DATE:_________________PERIOD:______

NEURON ANATOMY COMPARISON

In this activity you will compare a motor neuron from your textbook to one you will draw to scale.

1. In the space provided draw a motor neuron from your textbook. Label it appropriately. You may want to color it.

2. Below is a table that indicated the actual size of an alpha-motor neuron in the human spinal cord. Convert the actual size to model size by increasing each number 200X. Fill in the chart below with the correct calculations.

Draw the motor neuron on paper provided by your teacher. Label the parts appropriately. Put the names of your group members on your drawing. Give the drawing a title. You may want to color this also.

QUESTIONS:

1. Is the second drawing you and your group members made like the original drawing you made? Explain why or why not.

2. List several similarities between the two drawings.

3. List several differences in the two drawings.

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