The Brain

• Chemicals


  Released to transfer messages across the synapse
• Motor neurons


  Carry information from the CNS to the effectors
• Chemical synapse


  Slow communication between neurons
• Electrical impulses


  Carry messages along neurons
• Neurons

  Specialised cells which help cells and tissues communicate in animals
• Sensory neurons

  Carry information from receptors to the CNS
• Electrical synapse


  Fast communication between neurons
• Interneurons


  Process information from the sensory neurons
• Synapse


  The place where two neurons meet
• Neurons

  • Three types: Sensory
  • Interneuron
  • Motor
• Stimulus


  Something that triggers a response
• Reflexes

  Automatic responses to stimuli
• Sensory neurons


  Neurons that transmit information from receptors to the brain
• Sensory organs


  Organs that detect changes in the environment
• Motor neurons


  Neurons that transmit information from the brain to effectors
• Effector


  Muscles or glands that respond to nervous system signals
• Interneurons


  Neurons that transmit information between other neurons
• Reflex arc

  A neural pathway that controls a reflex action
• Sensory receptors


  Cells that detect stimuli
• Synapse


  The gap between neurons where information is transferred through chemical signals
• The nervous system consists of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and other nerves
• Brain


  The organ that controls the body's functions and enables conscious thought
• Spinal cord


  The part of the CNS that runs through the spine and transmits information between the brain and the rest of the body
• Parts of the CNS

  • Brain
  • Spinal cord
• Cerebrum


  The part of the brain that controls conscious thoughts and stores memories
• Parts of the brain

  • Cerebrum
  • Cerebellum
  • Medulla
• Cerebellum


  The part of the brain that controls muscle coordination and balance
• Medulla

  The part of the brain that controls heart rate and breathing