The Human Nervous System

Question 1

What does the nervous system do?

Answer 1

Allows us to react to our surroundings and coordinate actions in response to stimuli.

Question 2

Structure of the nervous system:

Answer 2

1. Receptor cells convert a stimulus into an electric impulse
2. This travels along cells called sensory neurons to the central nervous system
3. The information is processed and the appropriate response is coordinated, resulting in an electric impulse being sent along motor neurones to effectors
4. Effectors carry out the response

Question 3

What are reflexes?

Answer 3

• automatic responses which take place before you have time to think
• they prevent the individual from getting hurt

Question 4

How does a reflex work?

Answer 4

1. A stimulus is detected by receptors
2. Impulses are sent along a sensory neuron
3. In the central nervous system the impulse passes through to a relay neuron
4. Impulses are sent along a motor neuron
5. The impulse reaches an effector resulting in the appropriate response

Question 5

What are synapses?

Answer 5

the gaps between two neurons

Question 6

What is a reaction time?

Answer 6

how long it takes you to respond to a stimulus