Explain how a nerve impulse is initiated and transmitted along a neurone and across the synaptic gap.

Coordination and Control

Task 1: The central and peripheral nervous system

Specific parts of the brain are devoted to specific functions. Below is a diagram of the brain which you should label and write a sentence about what that part of the brain does.

⦁ Expand and complete the table below with specific names for each part of the brain, and a brief summary of the function of each part (1-2 sentences).

Name                                                                           Function

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Complete the table below identifying the major structural and functional divisions of the nervous system (insert rows as necessary).

CENTRAL            NERVOUS SYSTEM                    PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

 

 

Answering this task will allow you to achieve AC:

1. Identify the major structural and functional divisions of the nervous system and

2. Identify the main regions of the human brain and describe the main functions of each part.

Task 2: Differentiation: Cell types and functions.

⦁ Describe the function of a sensory neuron, a motor neuron, a multipolar neuron, and one type of glial cell.

⦁ Summarise where and how each achieves this function

You can use whichever format you think is best for this answer (e.g. a table, paragraphs, annotated diagrams. No more 300 words (about 75 per cell).

Answering this task will allow you to achieve:

2.2 Describe and outline the function of sensory neurones, motor neurones, multipolar neurones and glial cells.

Task 3:

The action potential is classified as a rapid depolarisation and repolarisation of the membrane. It acts as a signal that travels away from the body of one cell, to the synapse with the dendrites of the next. In this way, a signal can be sent all the way from the brain to the tip of your toes in a matter of milliseconds.

⦁ Describe the above process to include an account of the nerve action potential (how the nerve impulse travels down the axon). You should include information on depolarisation and repolarisation of the cell membrane.

(200 words)

SYNAPSES

⦁ Discuss how opioid painkillers affect synaptic transmission.

(200 words)

Answering this task will allow you to achieve

1. Explain how a nerve impulse is initiated and transmitted along a neurone and across the synaptic gap.

2. Identify effects of chemicals (e.g. alcohol, caffeine, heroin) on synaptic transmission.

Last Completed Projects