Something that occurs without you realising or controlling it.

An involuntary, fast neural response to a situation.

The fixed neural pathway that controls the reflex response.

An intermediate neurone that sits within the central nervous system.

The structure and function of a reflex arc

Combined science

Pupils will learn how hormones and glands of the human endocrine system enable us to coordinate and control changes in our bodies.

Pupils learned how substances essential for chemical reactions in living cells, and the products of the reactions, are transported into, around and out of the human body, and the implications of surface area:volume ratio.

This unit explores the structure and function of the nervous system, including the CNS, reflex arcs, and the eye. It covers brain structure, common eye defects, and the challenges in treating nervous system damage. It also addresses ethical considerations.

Coordination and control: the human nervous system

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

What three types of neurone are involved in a reflex arc?

Put these stages of a reflex arc in the right order.

What are the features of a reflex action?

How does the impulse travel from the end of the relay neurone to the motor neurone?

To override a reflex action, the brain sends an overriding signal down a {{}} neurone.

What makes up the central nervous system?

Something done without conscious control.

Something done with and without conscious control.

Which of the following is **not** a feature of nerve cells?

Put these steps in order to show how a nervous impulse travels to the brain.

The nerve signal arrives at the end of the first neurone.

The vesicles release neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap.

The neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic gap.

The neurotransmitters bind to a receptor on the second neurone.

Put these steps in order to show how a synapse works.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The structure and function of a reflex arc

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.