14.1

Coordination and response

12 flashcards to master Coordination and response

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Key Concept Flip

What is the main function of the nervous system?

Answer Flip

The nervous system coordinates and regulates body functions by detecting stimuli and rapidly transmitting signals to effectors.

Example: detecting a change in temperature and signaling muscles to shiver to generate heat.
Definition Flip

What two main parts make up the mammalian central nervous system (CNS)?

Answer Flip

The CNS consists of the brain and the spinal cord. The brain processes information, while the spinal cord relays messages between the brain and the peripheral nervous system.

Example: if you touch a hot stove, sensory neurons send a signal up the spinal cord to the brain, and the brain sends a response signal back down the spinal cord to motor neurons, causing you to quickly pull your hand away.
Key Concept Flip

What are the three types of neurones and their functions?

Answer Flip

The three types of neurones are sensory, relay (or interneurone), and motor neurones. Sensory neurones carry impulses from receptors to the CNS, such as detecting heat from a fire. Motor neurones carry impulses from the CNS to effectors, like a muscle contracting to move your hand away.

Definition Flip

Answer Flip

Definition Flip

What is a reflex arc?

Answer Flip

A reflex arc is the nerve pathway involved in a reflex action. It consists of a receptor, sensory neurone, relay neurone (in the spinal cord), motor neurone, and effector.

Example: the withdrawal reflex from a hot surface.
Key Concept Flip

Answer Flip

Definition Flip

What is the role of the effector in a reflex arc?

Answer Flip

The effector is the muscle or gland that carries out the response.

Example: a muscle contracting to move a limb away from a painful stimulus or a gland secreting a hormone.
Definition Flip

What is a synapse?

Answer Flip

A synapse is a junction between two neurones where chemical signals transmit the impulse. It ensures one-way transmission of nerve signals.

Key Concept Flip

Describe the structure of a synapse.

Answer Flip

A synapse includes the presynaptic neurone containing vesicles of neurotransmitter, the synaptic gap (cleft), and the postsynaptic neurone with receptor proteins. This ensures signals only go one way.

Key Concept Flip

Describe the events that occur at a synapse when an impulse arrives.

Answer Flip

The impulse causes neurotransmitter release from vesicles into the synaptic gap. The neurotransmitter diffuses across the gap, binds to receptor proteins on the next neurone, and triggers a new impulse.

Key Concept Flip

What is the function of neurotransmitter molecules at a synapse?

Answer Flip

Neurotransmitter molecules transmit the nerve impulse across the synaptic gap from one neurone to the next. Examples include acetylcholine, which stimulates muscle contraction.

Key Concept Flip

Why do synapses ensure impulses travel in only one direction?

Answer Flip

Synapses ensure one-way transmission because neurotransmitter vesicles are only present on the presynaptic neurone and receptors are only present on the postsynaptic neurone.

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13.1 Excretion in humans 14.2 Sense organs

Key Questions: Coordination and response

What two main parts make up the mammalian central nervous system (CNS)?

The CNS consists of the brain and the spinal cord. The brain processes information, while the spinal cord relays messages between the brain and the peripheral nervous system.

Example: if you touch a hot stove, sensory neurons send a signal up the spinal cord to the brain, and the brain sends a response signal back down the spinal cord to motor neurons, causing you to quickly pull your hand away.

What is a reflex arc?

A reflex arc is the nerve pathway involved in a reflex action. It consists of a receptor, sensory neurone, relay neurone (in the spinal cord), motor neurone, and effector.

Example: the withdrawal reflex from a hot surface.
What is the role of the effector in a reflex arc?

The effector is the muscle or gland that carries out the response.

Example: a muscle contracting to move a limb away from a painful stimulus or a gland secreting a hormone.
What is a synapse?

A synapse is a junction between two neurones where chemical signals transmit the impulse. It ensures one-way transmission of nerve signals.

About Coordination and response (14.1)

These 12 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Coordination and response for your Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

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