The Nervous System

• What are the two main parts of the nervous system?

  CNS (central nervous system) and peripheral nervous system (other nerves)
• What is the role of the central nervous system?

  It acts as the coordination center for processing information and sending responses
• What are the components of an automatic control system in homeostasis?

  • Stimulus
  • Receptor
  • Coordination Center
  • Effector
  • Response
• What is the function of receptors in the nervous system?

  Receptors detect stimuli from the environment
• How do electrical impulses travel in the nervous system?

  They travel along neurons to transmit information
• What are effectors typically in the nervous system?

  Muscles or glands
• Why are reflex actions important?

  They provide a quick response to protect from harm
• What are the stages of the reflex arc?

  1. Stimulus detected by a receptor
  2. Electrical impulse travels along a sensory neuron to the CNS
  3. Chemical release at synapse triggers impulse in relay neuron
  4. Impulse travels to motor neuron
  5. Impulse reaches effector (muscle or gland)
  6. Response occurs (e.g., muscle contraction)
• What is the role of sensory neurons?

  Sensory neurons connect receptors to the central nervous system
• What happens at the synapse between neurons?

  A chemical is released to transmit the impulse to the next neuron
• How do reflexes differ from other actions in terms of brain involvement?

  Reflexes are automatic and do not involve conscious brain decisions
• How does the nervous system help maintain homeostasis?

  • Detects changes in the environment (stimuli)
  • Processes information through the CNS
  • Coordinates responses via effectors
  • Maintains internal conditions within a stable range