The Nervous System Flashcards
Receptors
1) Receptors are the cells that detect stimuli.
2) Different receptors detect different stimuli.
3) For example, receptors in the ears detect sound.
Effectors
1) Effectors respond to electrical impulses and bring about a change.
2) Muscles and glands are effectors.
3) They respond in different ways - muscles contract and glands release hormones.
Motor Neurones
These carry electrical impulses from the CNS to effectors
Sensory Neurones
These carry information as electrical impulses from the receptors to the CNS
Central Nervous System (CNS)
1) This consists of the brain and spinal cord
2) The CNS is connected to the body by sensory neurones and motor neurones
What do receptor cells do?
Cell receptors, including hormone receptors, are special proteins found within and on the surface of certain cells throughout the body, including breast cells. These receptor proteins are the “eyes” and “ears” of the cells, receiving messages from substances in the bloodstream and then telling the cells what to do
What do Sensory Neurones do?
Sensory neurons are nerve cells within the nervous system responsible for converting external stimuli from the organism’s environment into internal electrical impulses. For example, some sensory neurons respond to tactile stimuli and can activate motor neurons
What do motor neurones do?
A motor neuron (or motoneuron) is a neuron whose cell body is located in the motor cortex, brainstem or the spinal cord, and whose axon (fiber) projects to the spinal cord or outside of the spinal cord to directly or indirectly control effector organs, mainly muscles and glands
What do effectors do?
When a receptor is stimulated, it sends a signal along the nerve cells (called neurones) to the central nervous system. (See diagram to the left.) Usually, the brain - which is part of the nervous system - coordinates a response. An effector is any part of the body that produces the response
