Coordination and Response

Flashcards covering key concepts from the Coordination and Response lecture notes.

What is the role of the nervous system?

Coordinates and regulates body functions via electrical signals (nerve impulses) along nerve cells (neurons).

What are the two primary outcomes of the nervous system's function?

Allows coordinated movement and maintains a constant internal environment (homeostasis).

What are the two main sections of the nervous system?

Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

What comprises the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

Brain and spinal cord.

What does the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) contain?

Nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord that carry impulses to and from the CNS.

What is the function of a sensory neuron?

Carries impulses from a receptor to the spinal cord and brain.

What is the function of a relay neuron?

Carries impulses between different parts of the central nervous system.

What is the function of a motor neuron?

Carries nervous impulses from the central nervous system to the effector (e.g., a muscle).

What are reflexes?

Automatic responses to danger that occur almost instantly without involving the brain.

What are the steps in a reflex arc?

Stimulus detected by receptors → Sensory neuron to spinal cord → Relay neuron passes impulse to motor neuron → Motor neuron to effector (muscle).

What are sense organs?

Groups of receptor cells that respond to a specific stimulus.

What stimulus does the eye respond to?

Light.