Topic 2 - Structure And Function Of The Nervous System And The Reflex Arc Flashcards
What is the primary function of the nervous system?
To react to surroundings and coordinate actions in response to stimuli
What do receptor cells do?
Convert a stimulus into an electrical impulse
What type of neurons carry impulses to the central nervous system?
Sensory neurons
What happens in the central nervous system (CNS)?
Information is processed and the appropriate response is coordinated
Which neurons carry the response from the CNS to effectors?
Motor neurons
What are effectors?
Muscles or glands that carry out a response
What are automatic responses that occur before conscious thought?
Reflexes
What is the purpose of reflexes?
To prevent individuals from getting hurt
What is the pathway called that allows reflexes to occur quickly?
Reflex arc
How does the reflex arc differ from the usual response to stimuli?
The impulse does not pass through the conscious areas of the brain
Fill in the blank: A stimulus is detected by _______.
[receptors]
What is the sequence of events in a reflex arc?
- Stimulus detected by receptors
- Impulses sent along a sensory neuron
- Impulse passes to a relay neuron in CNS
- Impulses sent along a motor neuron
- Impulse reaches an effector
Give two examples of reflex arcs.
- Pupils getting smaller in bright light
- Moving hand from a hot surface
What are synapses?
Gaps between two neurons
What happens when an impulse reaches the end of the first neuron?
A neurotransmitter is released into the synapse
