Nerves and coordination

• What is the purpose of homeostasis in organisms?

  Homeostasis maintains variables within set limits
• How do homeostatic mechanisms operate?

  • They operate using feedback loops
  • May involve the nervous system and/or endocrine system
• What is a neuron?

  A nerve cell specialized for the rapid transfer of electrical impulses
• What are changes in an organism's environment called?

  Stimuli
• How are stimuli sensed in organisms?

  Stimuli are sensed by specialised cells called receptors
• What is the function of motor neurons?


  They pass impulses along to muscles or glands to cause a response
• What is the role of effectors in response to stimuli?

  Effectors are used by the organism to respond to stimuli
• What do sensory neurons do?

  They carry impulses from sensory receptors such as skin, eyes, and ears
• Why is fast and efficient communication necessary between receptors and effectors?

  To ensure a quick response to changes in the environment
• What are neurones connected by?

  Synapses
• What is coordination in the context of detecting stimuli?

  • Coordination is the way receptors detect stimuli
  • It involves passing information onto effectors
• What is the role of relay neurons (interneurons)?


  They pass the impulse on to other neurons
• What are the two components involved in the process of coordination?

  Receptors and effectors
• What are the two ways animals send information from receptors to effectors?

  1. Nervous system pathways
  2. Endocrine system pathways