Producers: Alberta Advanced Education

  • Electrochemical Control Systems

    Describes how the nervous and endocrine systems work together to maintain homeostasis and equilibrium in humans. Examines the structure of the neuron and explains the biological basis for multiple sclerosis.

  • Hormonal Controls and the Menstrual Cycle

    Compares the cyclical patterns of reproduction in humans with that of other mammals. Describes the human menstrual cycle and the hormones that regulate it. Addresses the effects of lifestyle and aging on the menstrual cycle and explains hormone therapy.

  • Nerve Impulse Conduction

    Explores the electrochemical nature of nerve impulse conduction and transmission. Analyses the different stages of the membrane potential through simulations, discussions with a neurophysiologist and a visit to the dentist.

  • Hormonal Controls and Conception

    Reviews the events that occur when fertilization of the ovum takes place. Provides an in-depth look at conception control methods, their effectiveness and some of the risks associated with using them.

  • Reflexes and Synaptic Transmission

    Investigates the physiology of the reflex arc through experiments on the pupillary and patellar reflexes. Focuses on the transmission of an impulse across the synapse and at the neuromuscular junction.

  • The Central Nervous System and Brain

    Features the primary components of the human central nervous system. Identifies the main structures of the brain and their roles in controlling body systems and maintaining homeostasis.

  • The Peripheral Nervous System

    Illustrates how the human body senses and responds to its internal and external environments. Describes the structures and functions of the peripheral nervous system and examines current research on nerve regeneration.

  • The Eye: Vision and Perception

    Highlights the structures and functions of the mammalian eye and illustrates how visual sensory receptors relay messages to the brain. Describes a number of visual disorders, along with the corrective lenses and techniques that can be used to treat them.

  • The Ear: Hearing and Balance

    Discusses the structures and functions of the human ear and tells how sound waves are transmitted. Examines the role of the inner ear in maintaining balance and equilibrium. Provides examples of technologies which help the hearing impaired communicate.

  • Tactile and Chemoreceptors

    Investigates the structures and functions of various tactile and chemoreceptors. Uses touch, taste and smell experiments to demonstrate how the sensory-somatic cortex works. Explores Wilder Penfield’s work on the sensory cortex.