The Nervous System: Functions and Nerve Pathway

Vocabulary practice cards covering the primary functions and nerve pathway sequence of the nervous system.

Reception

The nervous system function where a stimulus, or change in the environment, is detected by specialized cells called receptors.

Stimulus

A change in the environment that is detected by a group of specialized cells called receptors.

Receptors

A group of specialized cells responsible for detecting a stimulus.

Integration

The process in the nervous system where incoming messages are sorted and processed in the brain.

Response

The outcome or action carried out by effectors (muscles or glands) following integration.

Effectors

Muscles or glands that carry out a response in the nerve pathway.

Maintenance of homeostasis

One of the fundamental functions carried out by the nervous system alongside reception, integration, and response.

Sensory neurons

Neurons in the nerve pathway that transmit signals from the receptors to the Central Nervous System.

Central Nervous System

The system responsible for integration, where incoming messages from sensory neurons are sorted and processed.

Motor neurons

Neurons in the nerve pathway that carry integrated signals from the Central Nervous System to the effectors.