B10: The Human Nervous System Flashcards
(38 cards)
What is Homeostasis
Maintaining a constant internal environment
Why is homeostasis important
Helps maintain optimal conditions for enzyme action and cell function
What are the three main components in all the body’s control systems
Receptors, coordination centres and effectors
How does the nervous system work
It uses electrical impulses to enable you to react quickly to your surroundings
What do receptor cells do
Detect stimuli
Describe the process of the nervous system
- Receptors pick up a stimuli
- the impulse is sent along the sensory neurone where a synapse passes it to the relay neutron
- The relay neurone takes the impulse through the CNS in the spinal chord where a response is triggered
- the response is sent back along the relay neurone where it is passed by a synapse to the motor neurone
- the motor neurone takes the impulse to the effector
What are reflex actions
Rapid automatic responses of the nervous system that do not involve conscious thought
State 2 things that reflex actions control
- Breathing
- Digestion
- Avoid danger
- Heartbeat
What is sympathetic nervous system
Controls the body’s rapid involuntary response to dangerous or stressful situations
What is parasympathetic nervous system
Conserves energy by slowing heart rate, increases gland and intestinal activity and relaxes the sphincter muscles
What are somatic nerves
Nerves that make up part of the nervous system we can control
What are autonomic nerves
Nerves that make up part of the nervous system we cannot control
Who you callin buthead
Buthead
What is the function of the cerebral cortex
- Where the thinking happens
- controls conscious activity
What is the function of the hypothalamus
Controls the activity of most other hormones in the body
What is the function of the pituitary gland
Crucial in maintaining homeostasis in the body
What is the role of the cerebellum
Coordinates muscular activity
What is the role of the medulla
Controls unconscious activity
What is an MRI scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce very detailed images of the brain, nervous system or any other region of the body
- Safer than CT scans and it is non-invasive
Advantages and disadvantages of an MRI scan
Advantages: - No Radiation Disadvantages: - Long procedure - Claustrophobic
What is a CT scan
- Computer Tomography Scan
- uses X-Rays to take images of the body and structures inside
Advantages and disadvantages of CT scans
Advantages: - Quick - Less claustrophobic than an mri scan Disadvantages: - Uses radiation
What is an EEG scanner
- An electroencephalogram-attaches small sensors all over the scalp
- Can be used in real time
Advantages and disadvantages of an EEG scanner
Advantages: - Used in real time Disadvantages: - Doesn’t cover whole brain - Ugly