B10 Flashcards
what is homeostasis
the process by which your body maintains a constant internal environment
why is homeostasis important
to maintain optimal conditions for enzyme action and all cell functions
give some examples of internal conditions controlled by homeostasis
water content
body temperature
blood glucose concentration
what is a receptor
detect stimuli in the external or internal environment
what are coordination centres
such as brain, spinal cord and other organs
what are effectors
usually muscles or glands that bring about a response to the stimulus
what detects stimuli in the nervous system
receptor cells
what is the central nervous system
brain and spinal cord
what do sensory neurones do
carry impulses from receptors to the CNS
what do motor neurones do
carry impulses from the CNS to effectors that respond to the impulses
what is the function of a relay neurone
act as intermediaries between sensory and motor neurones
what is a synapse
the junction between two neurones
what is a reflex arc
the sequence from receptor to effector
how do reflex actions protect you from danger
they happen automatically because they are done unconsciously .
what does the brain do
receives impulses from sensory neurones and coordinates responses
controls complex behaviour and is responsible for your thoughts and feelings
what is the cerebral cortex
concerned with consciousness, intelligence, memory and language
what is the cerebellum
concerned with the coordination of muscular activity
what is medulla
concerned with unconscious activity such as the heartbeat
how have scientists been able to find out about the brain
studying patients with brain damage
electrically stimulating different parts of the brain
what are some problems with the brain
drugs do not always pass through the membranes surrounding the brain
surgery is difficult because the function of each area is not fully understood
