B10: Nervous system

Question 1

what is the function of the nervous system?

Answer 1

It enables organisms to react to their surroundings and coordinates behaviour

Question 2

what are the two parts of the central nervous system?

Answer 2

Brain and Spinal cord

Question 3

Why are reflex actions important?

Answer 3

for survival and to prevent damage to the body

Question 4

Give the pathways of a nervous response

Answer 4

stimulus -> receptor -> coordinator -> effector -> response

Question 5

what is the function of the cerebral cortex?

Answer 5

outer layer of the brain that plays an important role in consciousness

Question 6

what is the function of the medulla oblongata?

Answer 6

part of the brain above the spinal cord that controls breathing and heart rate

Question 7

what is the function of the cerebellum?

Answer 7

part at the back of the brain involved in coordination muscle activity

Question 8

why is it difficult to treat brain disorders?

Answer 8

brain is complex and delicate

Question 9

what is a synapse?

Answer 9

gap between neurons, allowing impulses to cross

Question 10

what is the function of neurons?

Answer 10

carry electrical impulses around the body

Question 11

what is accommodation?

Answer 11

process of changing the shape of the lens to focus on near/ distance objects

Question 12

two common defects of the eye?

Answer 12

myopia (short sighted) and hyperopia (long sighted)

Question 13

How can eye defects be treated?

Answer 13

Spectacle lenses, contact lenses, laser eye surgery and replacement lenses in the eye

Question 14

why are reflex actions described as rapid and automatic?

Answer 14

they do not involve the conscious part of the brain