Nervous Control and the Reflex Arc

Cards (8)

  • Sensory neurones carry nerve impulses from receptors towards the central nervous system
  • Voluntary nervous system carries nerve impulses to body muscles and is under conscious control
  • Motor neurones carry nerve impulses away from the central nervous system towards the effectors
  • Central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord
  • Autonomic nervous system carries nerve impulses to glands, smooth muscles and cardiac muscle
  • Peripheral nervous system is made up of pairs of nerves that originate from either the brain or spinal cord
  • Nervous links from receptor to effector
    receptor -> sensory neurone -> relay neurone + coordinator -> motor neurone -> effector
  • Importance of the reflex arc
    • reduce/avoid damage to tissues
    • present from birth so don't have to be learned
    • very rapid
    • help with posture/balance