Coordination and Control B3.1

Question 1

What is the primary function of the nervous system?

Answer 1

• The primary function of the nervous system is to allow you to react to what goes on around you.

Question 2

What are neurones?

Answer 2

• Neurones are nerve cells that extend throughout the body.

Question 3

What do sensory receptors detect?

Answer 3

• Sensory receptors detect changes in the environment, known as stimuli.

Question 4

What is the role of the central nervous system (CNS)?

Answer 4

• The CNS processes information received from sensory neurones and coordinates a response.

Question 5

How does the CNS communicate with effectors?

Answer 5

• The CNS sends information to an effector along a motor neurone, causing a muscle to contract or a gland to secrete a hormone.

Question 6

How do neurones transmit information?

Answer 6

• Neurones transmit information as electrical impulses along their axons.

Question 7

What speeds up the electrical impulse in a neurone?

Answer 7

• A fatty (myelin) sheath around some axons acts as an electrical insulator, speeding up the impulse.

Question 8

What is a synapse?

Answer 8

• A synapse is a gap between two neurones where transmitter chemicals facilitate the transmission of impulses.

Question 9

What is a reflex action?

Answer 9

• Reflex actions are automatic responses that occur without conscious thought, making them quicker than normal responses.

Question 10

How do hormones differ from nervous impulses?

Answer 10

• Hormones are chemical messengers that have slower but longer-lasting effects compared to the fast but short-lived effects of nervous impulses.

Question 11

What is adrenaline and its function?

Answer 11

• Adrenaline is a hormone that prepares the body for ‘fight or flight’ by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels to improve oxygen and glucose supply to cells.

Question 12

How is thyroxine released in the body?

Answer 12

Comes from the thyroid gland
Thyroxine is involved in regulating the body’s metabolic rate, influencing heart rate, body weight, muscle strength, and menstrual cycles.

Question 13

Define testosterone and its function.

Answer 13

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone produced in the testes, stimulating sperm production and contributing to the development of the male reproductive system.

Question 14

What is the main function of oestrogen in the female body?

Answer 14

Oestrogen, the primary female sex hormone produced in the ovaries, is involved in the menstrual cycle and promotes female sexual characteristics like breast development.

Question 15

Describe the role of progesterone in the body

Answer 15

Progesterone, produced by the ovaries, supports pregnancy and is involved in the menstrual cycle.

Question 16

What are FSH and LH, and where are they released from?

Answer 16

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinising hormone) are hormones released from the pituitary gland in the brain, playing crucial roles in the reproductive system.

Question 17

How do FSH and LH interact in the body?

Answer 17

FSH and LH work together to regulate the menstrual cycle and control ovulation and hormone production in both males and females.

Question 18

Describe the four stages of the menstrual cycle.

Answer 18

Stage 1: Menstruation starts, uterus lining breaks down. Stage 2: Uterus lining builds up into a thick layer. Stage 3: Egg is released from ovary. Stage 4: Uterus lining is maintained or breaks down if no fertilized egg implants.

Question 19

What role do hormones play in the menstrual cycle?

Answer 19

Hormones like FSH, LH, and estrogen help regulate the menstrual cycle by causing egg maturation, ovulation, and thickening of the uterus lining.

Question 20

Define ovulation in the context of the menstrual cycle.

Answer 20

Ovulation is the process where an egg is released from the ovary, typically occurring around day 14 of the menstrual cycle.

Question 21

How do hormones help in treating infertility?

Answer 21

Hormones can be used to treat infertility by regulating ovulation, stimulating egg production, and preparing the uterus for implantation, thus increasing the chances of conception.

Question 22

Describe the function of oestrogen in the menstrual cycle.

Answer 22

Oestrogen helps thicken and grow the lining of the uterus, preparing it for a potential fertilized egg to implant. It also stimulates the production of LH and inhibits FSH to regulate egg release.

Question 23

Describe the role of hormones FSH and LH in promoting natural pregnancy.

Answer 23

FSH and LH can be injected to stimulate ovulation in women with low FSH levels, allowing for egg maturation and release, thus increasing the chances of pregnancy.

Question 24

Define barrier methods of contraception and provide examples.

Answer 24

Barrier methods prevent the meeting of egg and sperm. Examples include condoms (male and female) and diaphragms.

Question 25

What are intrauterine devices (IUDs) and how do they work as contraceptives?

Answer 25

IUDs are T-shaped devices containing copper that are inserted into the uterus to prevent sperm from surviving, thus acting as a contraceptive method.

Question 26

How does the nervous system start a reaction to a stimuli?

Answer 26

The receptor (skin) detects a response to a stimulus (e.g hot hob). Electrical signal travels to the spinal cord through sensory and relay neurones.

Once at the spine, signal goes to the brain which starts a conscious reaction, set back to the original receptor through sensory and relay neurones.

Question 27

Give an advantage of a reflex.

Answer 27

A lot faster, goes to the spine and not the brain (unconscious decision).

Question 28

What is an effector?

Answer 28

Organisms that acts in response to a stimulus.

Question 29

What practical could be done to measure reaction times?

Answer 29

-Drop ruler between finger and thumb
-Measure the distance fallen before caught, repeat and calculate the mean.

Independent variable: Stimulants (e.g Caffeine or energy drink) increase neurotransmission (body is more awake).
Depressant (eg alcohol) would decrease neurotransmission.

Question 30

Give an example of what the adrenal glands do.

Answer 30

(they are attached to the top of the kidneys)

Release adrenaline, preparing body for fight or flight. (Increased blood flow and breathing rate)

Question 31

What do the thyroid glands do?

Answer 31

Secrets thyroxine which controls your body’s metabolic rate.
Also controls growth

Question 32

What is the endocrine system?

Answer 32

System of glands that secretes hormone signals, transported via the blood. (Slower than nervous system)