2.2

• What does the central nervous system consist of?

  Brain and spinal cord
• What is the nervous system composed of?

  The central nervous system (CNS) and other nerves
• Name three parts of the brain

  Cerebrum, cerebellum and medulla
• Name the three types of neuron

  Sensory, inter and motor.
• What is the role of receptors?


  Detect stimuli
• How do messages move along neurons?

  As electrical impulses
• What are the gaps between neurons called?

  Synapses
• How do messages cross the gaps between neurons?

  As chemicals
• What is the role of sensory neurons?


  Pass information to the CNS from receptors
• What is the role of interneurons?


  Operate within the CNS, which processes information from the senses that require a response
• What is the role of motor neurons?

  Enables a response to occur at an effector (muscle or gland).
• Describe the relative speed of responses from a muscle or a gland

  Rapid from a muscle; slow from a gland
• Explain the importance of reflexes

  Protect the body from harm
• Where do endocrine glands release hormones into?

  Bloodstream
• What are hormones?


  Chemical messengers
• What does a target tissue contain to respond to hormones?

  Cells with complementary receptor proteins for specific hormones, so only that tissue will be affected by these hormones
• What is the role of insulin?

  It allows glucose to be taken into the cells of the body to lower blood glucose levels
• What is the role of glycogen?


  Storage unit for glucose in liver and muscles
• What is the role of glucagon?


  Breaks glycogen down to cause the increase of blood glucose levels
• Where are the hormones involved in regulating blood glucose levels released from?

  Pancreas
• What is the function of the medulla?

  Controls unconscious activities like breathing and your heartbeat
• What is the function of the cerebellum?

  Coordination and balance
• What is the function of the cerebrum?

  Directs conscience functions; thoughts, memory, judgement
• What is the disease characterised by an inability to control blood sugar levels?

  Diabetes
• What is the role of the liver in blood glucose regulation?


  Storage site for glycogen