B1.2 Nerves and hormones Flashcards
what are stimuli?
Changes in the environment
Name some receptors and what they detect
Receptors in the EYE are sensitive to LIGHT
Receptors in the EARS are sensitive to SOUND, CHANGES IN POSITION and enable us to keep our balance.
Receptors on the TOUNGE are sensitive to CHEMICALS and allow us to taste
Receptors in the NOSE are sensitive to CHEMICALS and allow us to smell
Receptors in the SKIN are sensitive to TOUCH, PRESSURE, PAIN, TEMPERATURE CHANGES.
What are the features of light receptor cells?
nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane
information from receptors passes along….
neurones in nerves to the brain. The brain coordinates a response.
What are the advantages of reflex action?
Rapid
Automatic
What is a synapse?
A connection between 2 neurones.
Describe a simple reflex action
- receptor detects a stimulus
- impulses from a receptor pass along a sensory neurone to the central nervous system (CNS)
- Chemicals diffuse across a synapse to relay neurone
- Chemicals diffuse across synapse to motor neurone
- Impulse reaches an effector which responds by contracting if it is a muscle or by secreting a substance if it is a gland
What 4 internal conditions are controlled in the body?
Water, Ions, Temperature, Blood sugar levels.
How is the water content of the body controlled?
water leaves the body via the LUNGS when we breathe out and via the SKIN when we sweat to cool us down. Excess water is lost via the KIDNEYS in urine.
How is the ion content in the body controlled?
ions are lost via the SKIN when we sweat. Excess ions are lost via the KIDNEYS in the urine.
Why is it important to control the temperature in our body?
to maintain the temperature in which enzymes work best
Why is it important to control our blood sugar levels?
To provide our cells with a constant supply of energy.
What are hormones?
Chemical messengers which travel in the blood to activate target cells.
What secretes hormones?
glands
How do hormones travel around the body?
in the bloodstream
What do hormones do?
regulate the functions of many organs and cells
Describe the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle
Follicle stimulating Hormone (FSH) is secreted by the PITUITARY GLAND and causes eggs to mature in the ovaries. Stimulates ovaries to produce oestrogen.
Luteinising hormone (LH) stimulates the release of eggs from the ovary
Oestrogen is secreted by the ovaries and inhibits the further production of FSH.
what is the function of the nervous system?
enables humans to react to their surroundings and coordinate their behaviour.
Describe how you can control fertility
Take an oral contraceptive which contains hormones to inhibit FSH production so that no eggs mature.
What do oral contraceptives contain?
oestrogen, progesterone
What was the problem with oral contraceptives and how has this been solved?
- First birth control pills contained large amounts of oestrogen. These resulted in people suffering significant side effects.
- Now contain much less oestrogen or are progesterone only.
- Progesterone only - fewer side effects.
What are some pros with the pill?
- over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy
- Reduces the risk of getting some types of cancer
What are some cons of the pill?
- Is not 100% effective
- Can cause side effects- headaches
- Does not protect against STDs
Describe In Vitro Fertilisation
Mother receives FSH and LH to stimulate maturation of several eggs.
Eggs collected from mother and artificially fertilised by sperm of father.
Fertilised eggs develop into embryos.
At the stage when they are tiny balls of cells, one or two embryos are inserted into the mothers womb.
What is a pro of IVF?
Gives a couple a child
What are some cons of IVF?
- Side effects- Vomiting
- Expensive
- Multiple Births can happen- increase risk of miscarriage