The nervous system and homeostasis

• What is the function of the nervous system?

  Enables organisms to react to their surroundings and coordinates behaviour
• What are the two parts of the central nervous system?

  Brain and spinal cord
• Why are reflex actions rapid and automatic?

  They do not involve the conscious part of the
• Why are reflex actions important?

  They protect the body from damage
• What is a stimulus?

  A change in the internal or external
• What is a synapse?

  A junction between two neurons
• What is the function of neurons?

  Carry electrical impulses around the
• What is homeostasis?

  The maintenance of a stable internal environment
• Why is homeostasis important?

  It ensures optimal conditions for cellular functions
• What are three internal conditions controlled in homeostasis?

  Body temperature, blood glucose concentration, water levels
• Give three things all control systems include

  Receptors, coordination centres,
• Name three coordination centers in the body.

  Brain, spinal cord, pancreas
• What are two types of effectors?

  Muscles and glands
• What is the role of receptors in the nervous system?

  To detect stimuli and initiate responses
• What is the significance of the spinal cord in the nervous system?

  It transmits signals between the brain and body
• What is the main function of the brain?

  To process information and coordinate actions
• What is the role of neurotransmitters?

  To transmit signals across synapses
• How do reflex actions differ from voluntary actions?

  Reflex actions are automatic and quick
• What is the pathway of a nervous response?

  Stimulus → receptor → coordinator → effector → response
• What is the role of the nervous system in survival?

  It coordinates responses to environmental changes
• What is the function of the endocrine system?

  To regulate bodily functions through hormones