Control and Coordination

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the 'Control and Coordination' chapter of the science syllabus.

Control and Coordination

The functions of the nervous system and hormones in regulating the activities of organisms.

Reflex Action

An involuntary and immediate response to a stimulus, such as pulling back a hand from a flame.

Nervous System

The system in animals made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that coordinates actions and sensory information.

Neuron

A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; consists of dendrites, a cell body, and an axon.

Synapse

The gap between two neurons where nerve impulses are transmitted from one neuron to another.

Hormone

A chemical messenger produced by glands that regulates various physiological processes in an organism.

Adrenaline

A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that increases heart rate and energy in response to stress.

Auxin

A plant hormone that promotes cell elongation and is involved in directional growth toward light.

Phototropism

The growth response of a plant to light, typically causing shoots to bend toward the light source.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord; responsible for processing and integrating information.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system that includes all nerves outside the CNS, connecting it to sensory organs and muscles.

Involuntary Actions

Automatic body functions that occur without conscious control, such as heart rate and digestion.

Voluntary Actions

Actions that are under conscious control, like writing or running.

Neuromuscular Junction

The synapse between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber, where nerve impulses cause muscle contraction.

Gibberellins

Plant hormones that promote stem growth and early seed development.

Thyroxin

A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism and growth.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels.

Geotropism

The growth movement of a plant in response to gravity, with roots typically growing downward.

Hydrotropism

The growth response of plants to moisture gradients, with roots growing toward areas of higher moisture.

Tropism

The directional growth of an organism in response to environmental stimuli.

Feedback Mechanism

A process that regulates hormone levels in the body by adjusting the rate of hormone secretion based on current levels.

Cerebellum

A part of the hindbrain that coordinates voluntary movements and maintains posture and balance.

Medulla Oblongata

The part of the hindbrain that regulates involuntary actions like breathing and heart rate.

Olfactory Receptors

Sensory receptors located in the nose that are responsible for the sense of smell.

Gustatory Receptors

Sensory receptors located on the tongue that are responsible for the sense of taste.