Synapses and Reflexes Flashcards

(areas covered: synapses, reflexes, reflex arcs, how impulses are transmitted at synapses, the benefit of reflex arcs)

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1
Q

What is a synapse?

A

The gap connecting two neurones

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2
Q

Impulses are transferred by chemicals which diffuse across the synapse.

What are these chemicals called?

A

Neurotransmitters

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3
Q

(Exam-style question)

Explain how impulses are transmitted at synapses.

A
  • An impulse reaches the end of a neurone
  • The electrical impulse stimulates the release of chemicals called neurotransmitters
  • Neurotransmitters diffuse across the synapse, which is the gap between two neurones
  • Neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the next neurone, stimulating an electrical impulse in the neurone
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4
Q

What is a reflex?

A

An automatic and rapid response to stimuli

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5
Q

What is a reflex arc?

A

The passage of information in a reflex

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6
Q

State the purpose of a reflex arc.

A

To reduce the chance of being injured

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7
Q

Explain why reflexes are faster than normal responses.

A
  • Neurones in reflex arcs go through the spinal cord or through an unconscious part of the brain
  • Therefore, reflexes are faster because you don’t have to think about the response
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8
Q

(Exam-style question)

A
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