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A hands on model of skeletal muscle reflexes, tone and innervation
Author(s) -
Nielson Jonathan,
Carvalho Helena
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.517.14
Subject(s) - tone (literature) , action (physics) , computer science , process (computing) , sensory system , neuroscience , movement (music) , variety (cybernetics) , field (mathematics) , reflex , human–computer interaction , psychology , artificial intelligence , physics , art , literature , mathematics , quantum mechanics , pure mathematics , operating system , acoustics
Neuroscience is rapidly advancing field and a large body of information is becoming available. The complexity of these topics can create misconceptions and lead students to feel overwhelmed in their approach to the large amount of information. In an effort to facilitate the learning process and engage students we developed a model of a skeletal motor unit and its innervations. The model is easily constructed of a wood base, 1″×3″ wood boards, a hinge, elastic, string and images of a spine segment. It can be manipulated to demonstrate the action of muscle across a joint with the motor input and sensory output that allow purposeful movement and maintenance of muscle tone. The model also demonstrates how the sensory information changes as the muscle moves and what affect that has on motor nerve action. The interactive model was developed and demonstrated with a group of first and second year medical students at VTCSOM. The students were given a 5‐minute didactic style lecture and then given 5 minutes with the model. 55% of students identified the model as useful to their understanding of the topics it presents, several suggestions we given to improve the model. In conclusion a simple model was constructed with an inexpensive material that addresses a complex and important topic in neuroscience. Financial support: Center for Instructional Development and Educational Research at Virginia Tech