This key facts covers Key Facts within Nervous System for GCSE Biology. Topic 2: Nervous System It is section 2 of 17 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 2 of 17
Practice
15 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
📋 Key Facts
- The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord — it is the coordination centre.
- Sensory neurones transmit impulses from receptors to the CNS.
- Relay neurones connect sensory and motor neurones within the CNS.
- Motor neurones transmit impulses from the CNS to effectors (muscles or glands).
- The full pathway: stimulus → receptor → sensory neurone → CNS → motor neurone → effector → response
Types of sensory receptor:
- Photoreceptors — detect light (in the retina of the eye)
- Thermoreceptors — detect temperature changes (in the skin)
- Pressure receptors — detect touch and pressure (in the skin)
- Chemoreceptors — detect chemicals (on the tongue and in the nose)