Chapter 1 - The Nervous System

Question 1

What does the nervous system do?

Answer 1

• the nervous system sends messages using nerve cells or neurone, which produce a quick, short response; the nerve message, or nerve impulse, is electrical

Ext - the nervous system has specialised organs called the brain and the spinal cord

Question 2

What does the hormonal system produce?

Answer 2

• The hormonal system produces chemical messages in the form of hormones. The system is slower than the nervous system, however the response is longer-lasting.

Question 3

In the hormonal system, responses are slower and longer-lasting. For example:

Answer 3

• Insulin is produced in the pancreas. It acts on the liver, muscles and body cells to take up glucose from the blood.
• Oestrogen is produced by the ovaries. It is a sex hormone that controls the development of the adult female body at puberty, and the menstrutal cycle.

Question 4

The two types of communication systems are…

Answer 4

1) the nervous system

2) the hormonal system

Question 5

What are hormones?

Answer 5

• Hormones are chemicals that are produced by glands. They are transported in the blood. This means that all organs of the body are exposed to them, but they affect only their ‘target cells’.

Question 7

What does the CNS stand for?

Answer 7

• the Central Nervous System

Question 8

In humans and other vertebrates, the CNS consists of….

Answer 8

• the brain and the spinal cord

Question 9

The two different types of neurons are…

Answer 9

• the Sensory neurons and the Motor neurons

Question 10

What is the definition of the Sensory neurons?

Answer 10

• Sensory neurons connect receptors, e.g. In the eyes, ears and skin, which detect changes in the environment (called stimuli), with the central nervous system.

Question 11

What is the definition of the Motor neurons?

Answer 11

• Motor neurons connect the CNS to effectors, e.g. muscles, which produce a response.