Unit 2 : Multi-cellular Organisms - Control and Communication Flashcards
What does our nervous system control ?
Our nervous system controls every action that we make.
What does our nervous system consist of ?
Central Nervous System / Peripheral Nervous System
What does the central nervous consist of ?
Brain & spinal cord
What is the flow of information ?
receptors (sensory organs) -[sensory nerves]- CNS - [motor nerves]- effectors (muscle/glands)
What are the 3 main parts of the brain ?
Cerebrum, Cerebellum & Medulla
What is the function of the cerebrum ?
Largest part of the brain. Responsible for mental processes such as memory, reasoning, imagination, conscious thought and intelligence.
What is the function of the cerebellum ?
Controls balance & co-ordination. Sorts out information from the semi-circular canal.
What is the function of the medulla ?
Controls the rate of breathing and heart beat.
What are nerve cells in the nervous system called ?
neurons.
What does a neuron have ?
cell body & nerve fibres.
What are fatty sheath around axons for ?
insulation and to speed up nerve impulses.
What is the gap between neurons called ?
synapse
How are electrical impulses generated in the next neuron ?
Chemical transmitter substances are released from tiny vacuoles at the end of one neuron that diffuse across the synapse.
What are the 3 types of neurons ?
Sensory neuron, relay neuron & motor neuron
What is the function of a sensory neuron ?
Carry information from a sensory organ/ receptor to the CNS.
What is the function of the relay neuron ?
Carry information from the nerve cell to nerve cell in the CNS.
What is the function of the motor neuron ?
Carry information from the CNS to a muscle or to a gland. (effector organs)
Describe the response from a muscle ?
Rapid action
Describe the response of a gland ?
slower response
What is a reflex action ?
A reflex action is a rapid automatic response to a
stimulus.