5.2.1 - Nervous system structure and function

Question 1

What does the nervous system enable humans to do?

Answer 1

React to their surroundings and coordinate their behaviour

Question 2

Overview of path taken by electrical impulses

Answer 2

• receptors
• neurones
• CNS - brain and spinal cord
• CNS coordinates response of effectors - muscles contracting or glands secreting hormones

stimulus-receptor-coordinator-effect-response.

Question 3

4 key components of a reflex arc

Answer 3

sensory neurone
synapse
relay neurone
motor neurone

Question 3

3 neurone features

Answer 3

-long
-thin
-branched connections

Question 4

Synapses

Answer 4

• connection between cells
• electrical impulse causes release of chemicals
• chemicals diffuse across gap
• chemicals trigger another electrical impulse

Question 5

2 words to describe reflex actions

Answer 5

-rapid
-automatic

Question 6

Do nervous impulses involve the conscious part of the brain?

Answer 6

No