This topic summary covers Knowledge Organiser within Nervous System for GCSE Biology. Topic 2: Nervous System It is section 13 of 14 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 13 of 14
Practice
15 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Knowledge Organiser
Key Terms
- CNS — brain + spinal cord; coordination centre
- Sensory neurone — receptor to CNS
- Relay neurone — within CNS; connects sensory to motor
- Motor neurone — CNS to effector
- Synapse — gap between neurones; crossed by neurotransmitters
- Neurotransmitter — chemical released at synapse; diffuses and binds
Must-Know Facts
- Nervous system pathway: stimulus → receptor → sensory neurone → CNS (relay) → motor neurone → effector
- Nervous system: fast, short-lasting, precise (specific target)
- Hormonal system: slower, long-lasting, widespread
- Synapse: impulse triggers neurotransmitter release → diffuses → binds → new impulse
- Signals travel in ONE direction through a synapse (neurotransmitters only released pre-synaptically)
- RPA7: reaction time measured by ruler-drop or computer; repeat and average to improve reliability