Nervous system and the reflex arc

• What organ systems do humans rely on for communication between body parts?

  Nervous system and endocrine system
• What is the main function of the nervous system?

  To coordinate behavior and respond to surroundings
• What are the key components to know about the nervous system?

  • Structure of a nerve cell
  • Structure of the nervous system
  • How a reflex arc works
• 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 role of a synapse in neuron communication?

  It connects two nerve cells for impulse transfer
• What happens when an electrical impulse reaches the end of a nerve cell?

  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 is the function of sensory neurons?

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

  Information about changes in the environment
• What do motor neurons do?

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

  Muscles or glands
• How does the nervous system respond to changes in the environment?

  1. Detect changes via sensory neurons
  2. Process information in the CNS
  3. Send impulses via motor neurons to effectors
• What is a reflex arc?

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

  They allow rapid and automatic responses
• What happens when you touch a sharp object?

  A sensory neuron carries the impulse to the spinal cord
• What role does the relay neuron play in a reflex arc?

  It transfers the impulse to a motor neuron
• What is the function of the effector in a reflex arc?

  To contract or release hormones
• What happens at synapses during a reflex arc?

  The electrical signal converts to a chemical signal
• What is the first step when touching a sharp object?

  Detection of stimuli by receptor cells
• What is the role of the spinal cord in the reflex arc?

  It processes the impulse and transfers it
• What is the last step in a reflex arc?

  Muscle contracts to move away from the stimulus