Year 9- Human Biology Test Revision

Vocabulary flashcards covering the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems, the Endocrine System, Homeostasis (Heat and Water Balance), and Immunity based on the Year 9 Human Biology revision notes.

Central Nervous System

The core part of the nervous system comprising the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System

The network of nerves outside the central nervous system that connects it to the rest of the body.

Sensory Neurons

Nerve cells that transmit signals from sensory receptors toward the central nervous system.

Motor Neurons

Nerve cells that transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles or glands to initiate movement or action.

Synapses

The junctions between neurons where signals are transmitted from one cell to another.

Reflexes

Automatic and rapid responses to a stimulus involving a stimulus-response feedback loop.

Cerebrum

The part of the brain responsible for memory, speech, conscious thought, voluntary action, and personality.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain that controls involuntary action and muscle coordination.

Brain stem

The brain region responsible for involuntary actions such as heartbeat, pulse, breathing, and digestion.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that produce and secrete hormones, acting as chemical controllers in animals.

Pituitary Gland

Known as the master gland, it is responsible for growth and sexual maturation.

Hormones

Chemical controllers produced by endocrine glands in animals.

Growth Hormone

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates physical growth.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone involved in controlling water balance by acting on the kidneys.

Thyroxine

A hormone produced by the thyroid gland.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate blood glucose levels.

Adrenaline

A hormone produced by the adrenal glands, typically in response to stress or excitement.

Estrogen

A female reproductive hormone produced by the ovaries.

Testosterone

A male reproductive hormone produced by the testes.

Progesterone

A reproductive hormone produced by the ovaries.

Oxytocin

An animal hormone produced by glands that acts as a chemical controller.

Heat Balance

The state achieved when heat generation, such as from respiration, is balanced by heat loss via evaporation of sweat, radiation, and conduction.

Negative Feedback

A stimulus-response model where the system responds to a change by initiating actions that reverse the direction of that change.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels to help control temperature by increasing heat loss.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels to help control temperature by reducing heat loss.

Shivering

Involuntary muscle contractions used to generate heat and control body temperature.

Piloerection

The standing up of hair on the skin (goosebumps) as a mechanism to control body temperature.

Water Gain

The process of obtaining water through drinking and the moisture content in foods.

Water Loss

The process of losing water via sweat, exhalation, and liquid or solid waste.

Kidneys

Organs that act as filters for the blood and work with ADH to manage water balance.

Pathogens

Microorganisms that cause diseases.

Immune System

The body's defense system, consisting of internal and external defenses against pathogens.

Vaccines

Biological preparations used to provide immunity against specific diseases.

Allergies

An overreaction of the immune system to typically harmless substances.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment, including thermoregulation and water balance.

Stimulus

A change in the internal or external environment that triggers a response.

Receptor

A specialized cell or organ that detects a stimulus.

Modulator

The part of the feedback system that processes information from receptors and sends instructions to effectors.

Effector

A muscle or gland that carries out a response to a stimulus.