(University of Aston)

Available in Windows and Web/Intranet Versions ISBN: 0 9532751 8 3

Programmed by : Mick Clarke
Subject Specialist : Dr. Oliver Downing

The package is an interactive simulation of the effects of the main autonomic nerves and transmitters on the cardiovascular system of an anaesthetised animal. Questions are asked at each stage and progress is dependent upon correct answers being given - although correct answers and further information is provided if questions are answered incorrectly.


[Screenshot]
A Screen from CVS/ANS Tutor

Contents

The package is split into four areas:

  1. Introduction
  2. Experimental Set-Up
  3. Parasympathetic Nervous System
    • Summary of Introductory Parasympathetic Nervous System
    • Introductory Parasympathetic Nervous System
    • Summary of Extended Parasympathetic Nervous System
    • Extended Parasympathetic Nervous System
  4. Sympathetic Nervous System
    • Summary of Introductory Sympathetic Nervous System
    • Introductory Sympathetic Nervous System
    • Summary of Extended Sympathetic Nervous System
    • Extended Sympathetic Nervous System

Introduction: This section gives a brief introduction to the concepts covered in the package

Experimental Setup: This section outlines the methods used to anaesthetise and prepare a rat for injecting drugs, the methods used to record blood pressure and heart rate and the methods used for stimulating autonomic nerves in the laboratory.

The next two sections take the form of a guided experiment, allowing the student to stimulate nerves or inject transmitters and blockers, displaying the results as a trace of heart rate and blood pressure. A summary is available for each experimental section.

The Parasympatheic ANS: This section is split into two modules, introductory and extended. The introductory module guides the student through Vagus Nerve stimulation and injection of Acetylcholine, the extended module includes the use of blockers to distinguish receptor types.

The Sympathetic ANS: This section is again split into introductory and extended modules. The introductory module includes injection of Adrenaline and Noradrenaline compared to stimulation of the Cardiac Nerve, while the extended module distinguishes between adrenoceptor types by the use of blockers.


Hardware and Software Requirements

Windows Version
The package is supplied on a CD-ROM Installation Disc and can be installed to a local hard disc or network drive. The minimum requirement is a PC with 100MHz Pentium processor , 8Mb of RAM and a VGA monitor capable of displaying 16-bit color (65, 536 colors) at 640 x 480 resolution. The program is 32-bit and is compatible with Windows 95, 98 and NT.
Web Version
The package is supplied on a CD-ROM Installation Disc for installation to a web server. The software runs on PC clients only. The minimum requirement is a 200MHz Pentium processor with 32Mb of RAM and a Super VGA monitor capable of displaying 16-bit color (65,536 colors) at 800 x 600 resolution. The program is compatible with both Netscape Navigator 4.x and Internet Explorer 4 or better and requires Java and Javascript to be enabled on browsers.

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