control and regulatory- LO5 Flashcards
What is the nervous sytem?
A specialised network of cells in the human body and is our primary internal communication system.
What are the two functions of the nervous sytem?
- To co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells.
- To collect, process and respond to information in the environment.
What is the central nervous system?
- The brain and the spinal cord.
- Brain is centre of all conscious awareness.
- Spinal cord is an extension of the brain, responsible for reflex actions.
- CNS passes messages to and from the brain and connnects nerves to the PNS.
What is the main function of the spinal cord?
To reply to information about whats happening inside and outside your body to and from your brain.
What is the peripheral nervous sytem?
- Transmits messages via millions of neurons, to and from the CNS.
- Subvided into somatic and autonomic systems.
What is the difference between somatic and autonomic systems?
Somatic is voluntary movement and autonomic is involuntary movement.
What is the difference between sympathetic and parasympathetic systems?
Sympathetic: increases sweat glands, energy, heart rate and blood pressure.
Parasympathetic: conserves energy, decreases heart rate and increases salivation and digestion
What is a neuron?
A cell that conducts nerve impulses.
What is the function of the nucleus in a neuron?
Contains the cells chromosomal DNA.
What is the function of the node of ranvier in a neuron?
Let electrical impulses travel quicker.
What is the function of the myelin sheath in a neuron?
Insulates/ protects the axon from external influences that might affect the transmission of the nerve impulse down the axon.
What is the function of the axon in a neuron?
It is where electrical signals pass along.
What is the function of the cell body in a neuron?
Contains the nucleus.
What is the function of the synaptic knob in a neuron?
Recieves nerve impulses/signals from the adjacent neuron.
What is the function of a dendrite in a neuron?
Produces neurotransmitters to diffuse across the synapse to stimulate the nerve cell. It helps transmit impulses from one cell to another.
what is a synapse?
Small gap between a neuron and another neuron, or a neuron and a muscle.
What is a sensory nueron?
- Carries electrical signals (nerve impulses) towards the CNS.
- The signal starts in a receptor which detects a change.
What is a motor neuron?
- Carries nerve impulses away from the CNS.
- Neuron ends in either a muscle or gland, which are effectors.
What is a relay neuron?
Carries nerve impulses within the CNS.
What is the function of the medulla in the brain?
- Unconscious control
- Controls involuntary things, for example, heart and breathing rate.
What is the function of the frontal lobe in the brain?
Controls thought, memory, problem solving, planning, cognitive and social behaviours and movements such as facial expressions.
What is the function of the hypothalamus in the brain?
Helps maintain body temperature and produces hormones that control the pituitary gland.
What is the function of the cerebullum in the brain?
Controls muscle action and store memory of learnt muscle actions.
What is the function of the Meninges in the brain?
Protect your CNS from trauma injury to your brain.
- acts a shock absorber
What is the function of the cerebral cortex in the brain?
- divide into two hemispheres
- each hemisphere controls one side of the body
- controls emotions, thoughts and personality
What is a hormone?
A chemical messenger produced by glands which travel in the blood.
What is the function of the pancreas in the endocrine system?
Produces insulin which lowers blood sugar (glucose levels).
What is the function of the adrenal gland in the endocrine system?
Produces adrenaline which prepares the body in times of stress or danger.
What is the function of the pituitary gland in the endocrine system?
Handles and directs numerous hormone functions.
What is the fucntion pf the thyroid gland in the endocrine system?
Controls growth and regulates metabolism.
What are the kidneys?
Controls water and ion levels in the body and the removal of waste substances from the blood.
What is excretion?
The removal of waste substances from the blood.