B5- The nervous system + reflex arc

• Why do large multicellular organisms need communication between body parts?

  To coordinate behavior and respond to surroundings
• What are the two organ systems relied upon for communication in the body?

  Nervous system and endocrine system
• What are the main topics to know about the nervous system?

  Structure of a nerve cell, nervous system, reflex arc
• What is another name for a nerve cell?

  Neuron
• How are neurons adapted to carry electrical impulses?

  They are long, thin, and have branch connections
• What is the function of a synapse?

  To connect nerve cells for communication
• What happens when an electrical impulse reaches the end of a nerve cell?

  It causes the release of chemicals across the synapse
• What is the role of sensory neurons?

  To carry information from receptors to the CNS
• What does the central nervous system consist of?

  Brain and spinal cord
• What do motor neurons do?

  Send impulses from the CNS to effectors
• What are effectors generally?

  Muscles or glands that respond to impulses
• What is a reflex arc?

  A nerve pathway for unconscious reflexes
• Why are reflexes beneficial?

  They allow rapid and automatic responses
• What is the first step when touching a hot object?

  Stimuli detected by receptor cells in skin
• What happens to the impulse in the spinal cord?

  It transfers to a relay neuron
• What does the relay neuron do in a reflex arc?

  Passes the impulse to a motor neuron
• What is the role of the motor neuron in a reflex arc?

  Travels back to the body to activate effectors
• What happens at the synapses between neurons?

  The electrical signal converts to a chemical signal
• What is the function of the endocrine system?

  Regulates body functions through hormones
• What are the types of neurons?

  Sensory, motor, and relay neurons
• What role does the brain play in the nervous system?

  Processes sensory information and sends orders
• How is sensory information processed in the CNS?

  It is received and decisions are made
• What is the definition of stimuli in reflexes?

  Changes detected by receptor cells
• What is the function of receptor cells?

  Detect stimuli and send signals to neurons
• What is the significance of the spinal cord in reflex actions?

  It transfers impulses to relay neurons
• What is the difference between sensory and motor neurons?

  Sensory neurons carry information to CNS
• What is the concept of chemical signals in synapses?

  They allow communication between nerve cells