Explore how the nervous system and hormones work together to control the body's responses, from a reflex to a growth spurt.
The nervous system uses neurons (nerve cells) to carry electrical signals around the body, allowing fast communication between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body.
What is the basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system called?
The neuron (nerve cell)
Which two organs make up the central nervous system?
The brain and the spinal cord
A reflex action is a rapid, automatic response to a stimulus, controlled by the spinal cord without needing conscious thought from the brain first.
You accidentally touch a hot object and pull your hand away instantly, before you even feel the pain. What is this response called?
A reflex action
Hormones are chemical messengers released by glands directly into the bloodstream. Unlike nerve signals, hormonal responses are generally slower but longer-lasting.
Which gland releases adrenaline, the "fight or flight" hormone?
The adrenal gland
Which hormone, released by the pancreas, controls blood sugar levels?
Insulin
1. Name the two organs of the central nervous system.
2. In the reflex arc, what comes right after the receptor?
3. Is a reflex action controlled mainly by the brain or the spinal cord?
4. Which gland produces insulin?
5. Are hormonal responses generally faster or slower than nervous responses?