Syllabus · Historical · V4 (2023) · Nervous System – Including Pain
K1 · Nervous System Physiology
K1.vi · Nervous System Physiology
Explain the basic electro-physiology of neural tissue, including conduction of nerve impulses and synaptic function.
Written examination
SAQ history
Neurophysiology — Axonal Conduction
1 exam appearance
Outline the physiology of excitation and conduction in nerve axons (60% of marks). List the factors which delay axonal conduction (40% of the marks).
30%
Neurophysiology — Nerve Fibre AP
1 exam appearance
(a) Outline the general classification of nerve fibres including details on their function, size and conduction speed (30% of marks). (b) Describe the mechanisms of action potential generation and propagation along a myelinated peripheral nerve fibre (70% of marks).
47%
Neurophysiology — Sleep Respiration
1 exam appearance
Describe the stages of sleep (50%) Describe the respiratory physiological changes that occur in sleep (50%)
29%
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2026A · VIVA 6
Relevant examiner prompt
Why are some nerve fibres more susceptible to local anaesthetics?
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2018A · Day 2 · VIVA 3
This viva will examine nerve action potentials and neuromuscular blockade. Describe the graph shown below. (Image removed from report.)
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2016A · Day 2 · VIVA 5
This viva tested knowledge of electrophysiology and neuromuscular blocking drugs. It discussed ion concentrations across cell membranes, Action potentials, pharmacology of atracurium and assessing neuromuscular blockade.
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2014B · VIVA 7
This Viva tested knowledge on nerve action potentials and the pharmacology of local anaesthetic agents.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.