Nervous system and the 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 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?

  It causes the release of chemicals across the synapse
• What do the chemicals released at a synapse do?

  They trigger another electrical impulse in the next neuron
• What is the central nervous system made up of?

  Brain and spinal cord
• What role does the central nervous system play?

  It processes sensory information and sends orders
• What do sensory neurons do?

  They carry information from receptors to the CNS
• What type of information do sensory neurons transmit?

  Changes in temperature and carbon dioxide levels
• What do motor neurons do?

  They send impulses from the CNS to effectors
• What are effectors generally?

  Muscles or glands
• What is a reflex arc?

  A nerve pathway for unconscious reflexes
• What is the benefit of reflexes?

  They allow rapid and automatic responses
• What happens when you touch a hot pan?

  Your hand moves away quickly due to reflexes
• What is the role of receptor cells in the reflex arc?

  They detect stimuli like pressure or heat
• What does the sensory neuron do in a reflex arc?

  It carries impulses to the spinal cord
• What happens in the spinal cord during a reflex action?

  The impulse is transferred to a relay neuron
• What does the relay neuron do in a reflex arc?

  It passes the impulse to a motor neuron
• What is the final step in a reflex arc?

  The motor neuron sends impulses to an effector
• What happens at synapses in a reflex arc?

  The electrical signal converts to a chemical signal
• What is the purpose of the nervous system?

  To detect changes and respond to them
• How do reflexes help avoid injury?

  They enable quick responses to harmful stimuli
• What is the role of the bicep in a reflex action?

  It contracts to move the hand away
• What is the overall function of the nervous system?

  To coordinate body functions and responses
• How does the structure of a neuron facilitate its function?

  Its long shape allows efficient impulse transmission
• What is the significance of synapses in the nervous system?

  They enable communication between nerve cells
• How do sensory neurons contribute to the central nervous system?

  They provide essential information for processing
• What is the role of motor neurons in the nervous system?

  They transmit signals to muscles and glands
• What happens when a reflex is triggered?

  A rapid response occurs without conscious thought
• Why are reflex actions important for survival?

  They allow quick reactions to potential dangers
• What is the function of the effector in a reflex arc?

  To carry out the response to a stimulus
• How does the nervous system process sensory information?

  It sorts through information and decides responses
• What is the relationship between neurons and synapses?

  Neurons communicate through synapses
• What is the role of the spinal cord in reflex actions?

  It acts as a pathway for impulses
• How do chemical signals function at synapses?

  They facilitate the transmission of impulses
• What is the significance of the central nervous system in behavior coordination?

  It integrates sensory information and directs responses
• What happens to the electrical signal at a synapse?

  It is converted to a chemical signal
• How does the nervous system help in responding to environmental changes?

  It detects changes and coordinates appropriate responses