Biology Quiz: Nervous System & Paramecium

A complex network of specialized cells that transmit signals throughout the body, enabling communication and coordination.

The concentration of nervous tissue and sensory organs in the head region of an organism, allowing for faster processing and response.

The process of receiving, interpreting and reacting to stimuli from the environment.

The main control center of the nervous system, responsible for higher-level functions like thought, memory, and emotions.

Clusters of nerve cells that can act as mini-brains, controlling specific body functions.

Humans have a complex nervous system, consisting of a brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. This system allows humans to sense their environment, process information, and control actions.

Ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies found in the peripheral nervous system of some animals. They act as relay centers, processing information and transmitting signals to other parts of the body.

Single-celled organisms, like Paramecium, are independent living entities that consist of only one cell. They carry out all life processes within that single cell.

Paramecium uses cilia, tiny hair-like structures, to propel itself through its environment. When it encounters an obstacle, it reverses the beating of its cilia to move away.

Paramecium lacks a dedicated nervous system like more complex organisms. Its behaviors, such as locomotion and obstacle avoidance, are coordinated through a complex network of internal signals and sensory structures.

Paramecium avoids collisions by activating a "reversal response" when Catt enters its cells.

Catt flows into Paramecium's cells due to its concentration gradient, entering through passive channels.

Living things actively maintain an electrochemical imbalance across their membranes.

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment, despite external changes.

Fluid inside cells, comprising approximately 25 liters in a standard adult male.

Fluid outside cells, comprising approximately 17 liters in a standard adult male.

Fluid within blood vessels, also known as plasma, comprising 3 liters in a standard adult male.

Fluid between cells, comprising 13 liters in a standard adult male.

Cerebrospinal fluid, a clear, colorless liquid that circulates around the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and nutrient transport.

A viscous fluid found in joint cavities, lubricating and reducing friction during movement.

A clear fluid that fills the space between the cornea and lens of the eye, providing nutrients and maintaining pressure.

The liquid component of blood, containing proteins, nutrients, and other substances.

Plasma without clotting factors, obtained after blood clots.

Plasma has a high protein content because it carries various proteins like albumin (for osmotic pressure) and clotting factors.

Serum is plasma without clotting factors. This is because clotting factors are removed during the process of blood coagulation.

The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. It occurs because molecules are in constant random motion and collide with each other.

A simplified model of diffusion where molecules move between two separated compartments with different concentrations. The movement continues until the concentrations become equal.

Factors that increase the rate of diffusion include: higher temperature, greater concentration difference, smaller molecule size, and increased surface area.

A mathematical equation that describes the rate of diffusion across a membrane. It considers the diffusion coefficient, membrane area, and concentration difference.

A measure of how easily a substance can diffuse through a particular membrane. It depends on factors like molecule size and membrane properties.

The difference in concentration of a substance across a distance or membrane. The steeper the gradient, the faster the diffusion.

The amount of substance that moves across a membrane per unit area per unit time. It's a measure of diffusion rate.

Adolf Fick was a physiologist who made significant contributions to understanding diffusion. He developed Fick's Law and was the first to measure cardiac output using the Fick principle.