B10 The human nervous system

Question 1

What is the function of the nervous system?

Answer 1

it enables organisms to react to their surroundings and coordinates behaviour

Question 2

What are two parts of the central nervous system?

Answer 2

Brain
Spinal Cord

Question 3

Why are reflex actions described as rapid and automatic?

Answer 3

they do not involve the conscious part of the brain.

Question 4

Why are reflex actions important?

Answer 4

for survival and to prevent damage to the body

Question 5

Give the pathway of a nervous response

Answer 5

stimulus - receptor - coordination centre - effector - response

Question 6

Give the function of the cerebral cortex.

Answer 6

outer layer of the brain playing an important role in consciousness

Question 7

Give the function of the medulla oblongata.

Answer 7

part of the brain above the spinal cord that controls breathing and heart rate

Question 8

Give the function of the cerebellum.

Answer 8

part at the back of the brain involved in coordinating muscle activity

Question 9

Why is it difficult to treat brain disorders?

Answer 9

the brain is very complex and delicate
It is not fully understood

Question 10

What is a synapse?

Answer 10

The gap between two neurons, allowing impulses to cross

Question 11

What is the function of neurons?

Answer 11

Carry electrical impulses around the body

Question 12

What is accommodation?

Answer 12

process of changing the shape of the lens to focus on near/distant objects

Question 13

Give two common defects of the eyes

Answer 13

myopia (short- sightedness)
hyperopia (long-sightedness)

Question 14

How can eye defects be treated?

Answer 14

spectacle lenses, contact lenses, laser eye surgery and replacement lenses in the eye