Exam Tips: Nervous System

Name the neurone type at each stage: Never just say "a nerve carries the message." Identify whether you mean a sensory, relay, or motor neurone at each point in the pathway. This earns marking points that a vague answer misses.

Synapse questions require four steps: For any question about synapse transmission, work through: (1) impulse arrives at pre-synaptic membrane, (2) neurotransmitter released from vesicles into synaptic cleft, (3) neurotransmitter diffuses across and binds to receptors on post-synaptic membrane, (4) new electrical impulse generated. Missing any step loses a mark.

Nerves vs neurones — use the right term: The exam uses "neurone" for the single cell. "Nerve" is a bundle of neurones. If the question asks about the structure carrying impulses, write "sensory neurone" not "sensory nerve."

Comparison questions need both sides: When comparing nervous and hormonal systems, give a feature of BOTH systems for each comparison point. "Nervous system is fast" earns half the marks — add "whereas the hormonal system is slower" for full credit.

RPA7 — control variables matter: In the reaction time practical, state that temperature, distraction, caffeine, and practice are all variables that must be controlled or accounted for. Repeating measurements and calculating a mean reduces the effect of anomalies.