B5- The Nervous System Flashcards
What is the main function of the nervous system in organisms?
To respond to stimuli and coordinate behavior
This is essential for survival in changing environments.
What does the Central Nervous System (CNS) consist of in vertebrates?
The brain and spinal cord
In mammals, the CNS connects to the body via sensory and motor neurones.
What are sensory neurones responsible for?
Carrying information as electrical impulses from receptors to the CNS
They play a crucial role in detecting environmental changes.
What do motor neurones do?
Carry electrical impulses from the CNS to effectors
They are essential for executing responses.
What are receptors?
Cells that detect stimuli
They can form part of complex organs.
Give examples of different types of receptors.
- Taste receptors on the tongue
- Sound receptors in the ears
These receptors are specialized for different types of stimuli.
What is an effector?
Muscles and glands that respond to nervous impulses
They enact the response determined by the CNS.
How do muscles respond to nervous impulses?
They contract
This allows for movement or action in response to a stimulus.
What do glands do in response to nervous impulses?
Secrete hormones
This is part of the body’s regulatory mechanisms.
What role does the CNS play in coordinating a response?
It receives information from receptors and decides on a response
The response is then carried out by effectors.
Fill in the blank: The CNS sends information to the muscles in the bird’s wings along _______.
motor neurones
This is part of the response mechanism to threats.
True or False: The retina of the eye contains light receptor cells.
True
These cells are specialized to detect light stimuli.
What happens when a bird spots a cat while eating seeds?
The CNS coordinates a response to fly away
This illustrates the nervous system’s role in survival.
