Neurophysiology Virtual Lab

Neurophysiology Virtual Lab is an interactive, modular lab that explores techniques for identifying and recording the electrical activities of neurons, using the leech as a model organism.

Students can investigate and map how neurons in the leech’s nervous system respond to different touch sensations. The lab includes sections on dissecting a leech specimen, measuring the voltage (potential) of a neuron in response to various stimuli, and injecting fluorescent dyes into neurons to visualize their morphology. Students engage in key science practices, including collecting data and interpreting graphs, and identify individual neurons based on their results.

The lab contains an interactive lab space, an informational notebook, and embedded questions. It also includes supplementary resources, such as background on the anatomy of a neuron, a review of the resting potential and the action potential, and a glossary of scientific terms.

Student Learning Targets:

• Identify sensory neurons based on their morphology and response to touch stimuli.
• Collect and analyze data, including graphs.

Please see other Virtual Lab Series from BioInteractive:

• Coloration in Vertebrates
• Cardiology Virtual Lab
• Lizard Evolution Virtual Lab
• Immunology Virtual Lab
• Stickleback Evolution Virtual Lab

For comparison please see Virtual Physiology Series. 

Access online.