Coordination and response
Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) · Unit 14: Coordination and response · 10 flashcards
Coordination and response is topic 14.1 in the Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) syllabus , positioned in Unit 14 — Coordination and response , alongside Sense organs, Hormones and Homeostasis. In one line: 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.
This topic is examined in Paper 1 (multiple-choice) and Papers 3/4 (theory), plus Paper 5 or Paper 6 (practical / alternative to practical).
The deck below contains 10 flashcards — 4 definitions, 4 key concepts, 1 process card and 1 identification card — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward. Use the 4 definition cards to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and application cards to handle explain, describe and compare questions.
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.
What the Cambridge 0610 syllabus says
2026-2028 syllabus, in our wordsWhat the syllabus expects you to be able to do in this topic, in plain English. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks. For the exact wording, see the official syllabus (PDF).
- State State that neurones carry electrical impulses.
- Describe Describe the two parts of the mammalian nervous system: (a) central nervous system (CNS): the brain plus the spinal cord (b) peripheral nervous system (PNS): all the nerves lying outside the spinal cord and brain
- Describe Describe what the nervous system does: it coordinates and regulates the body's functions.
- Identify Identify motor, relay and sensory neurones on diagrams and images.
- Describe Describe a simple reflex arc as a pathway that runs from a receptor through a sensory neurone, then a relay neurone and a motor neurone, to an effector.
- Describe Describe a reflex action as a fast, automatic means by which stimuli are integrated and coordinated with the responses made by effectors (glands and muscles).
- Describe Describe a synapse as the junction where two neurones meet.
- Describe Describe how a synapse is structured, including the synaptic gap, vesicles holding neurotransmitter molecules, and receptor proteins. Supplement
- Describe Describe the sequence of events at a synapse: (a) an arriving impulse triggers vesicles to release neurotransmitter molecules, which enter the synaptic gap (b) they diffuse across the gap (c) they attach to receptor proteins of the following neurone (d) a new impulse is then triggered in that neurone Supplement
- State State that synapses make sure impulses pass in only one direction. Supplement
What is the main function of the nervous system?
The nervous system coordinates and regulates body functions by detecting stimuli and rapidly transmitting signals to effectors.
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.
What are the three types of neurones and their functions?
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.
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.
What is the role of the effector in a reflex arc?
The effector is the muscle or gland that carries out the response.
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.
Describe the structure of a synapse.
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.
Describe the events that occur at a synapse when an impulse arrives.
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.
What is the function of neurotransmitter molecules at a synapse?
Neurotransmitter molecules transmit the nerve impulse across the synaptic gap from one neurone to the next. Examples include acetylcholine, which stimulates muscle contraction.
Why do synapses ensure impulses travel in only one direction?
Synapses ensure one-way transmission because neurotransmitter vesicles are only present on the presynaptic neurone and receptors are only present on the postsynaptic neurone.
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.
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.
What is the role of the effector in a reflex arc?
The effector is the muscle or gland that carries out the response.
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.
More topics in Unit 14 — Coordination and response
Coordination and response sits alongside these Biology decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
Key terms covered in this Coordination and response deck
Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.
Related Biology guides
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