The Nervous System, Synapses & Reflexes

• What two 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 main topics to know about the nervous system?

  • Structure of a nerve cell
  • Structure of the whole 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?

  Chemicals are released that trigger another impulse
• 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 CNS
• What type of information do sensory neurons carry?

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

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

  Muscles or glands
• 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 happens at synapses during impulse transmission?

  The electrical signal converts to a chemical signal
• What is the function of the bicep in a reflex action?

  To contract and move the hand away
• How do the components of the nervous system work together?

  • Sensory neurons detect changes and send impulses to CNS
  • CNS processes information and sends impulses via motor neurons
  • Motor neurons activate effectors (muscles or glands) to respond