Control and Coordination in Biology

The processes that allow a living organism to respond to its environment and maintain internal balance.

The network of specialized tissues responsible for control and coordination in complex animals, consisting of neurons.

The basic functional unit of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting nerve impulses.

The cell body of a neuron; it contains the nucleus and other organelles.

Hair-like extensions of the cyton that receive nerve impulses from other neurons.

The long tail of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body.

The branched endings of the axon that transmit nerve impulses to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

An insulating cover around the axon that speeds up the transmission of nerve impulses.

The spinal cord acts as a communication pathway between the brain and the rest of the body's nervous system.

The PNS encompasses cranial and spinal nerves, connecting the central nervous system (CNS) to the body's organs and tissues.

12 pairs of nerves emerging from the brain, responsible for sensory and motor functions in the head region.

31 pairs of nerves branching out from the spinal cord, controlling the body from the neck down.

This system governs involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and digestion.

This part of the autonomic system increases organ activity to meet demands, like during exercise.

This branch of the autonomic system slows down organ activity, promoting relaxation and energy conservation.

The largest part of the human brain, responsible for higher functions like thought, language, and memory.

A hormone produced by the adrenal medulla during stressful situations, triggering the body's 'fight-or-flight' response.

The body's physiological reaction to stress, preparing it to either confront or escape danger. This response includes increased heart rate, breathing, and blood flow to muscles.

Adrenaline triggers the body's fight-or-flight response by increasing heart rate, breathing, blood flow to muscles, reducing pain sensitivity, and increasing alertness.

Adrenaline causes increased heart rate, respiration, and blood flow to muscles. It also decreases pain perception and increases alertness.

A hormone that causes the thickening of the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus), preparing it for potential pregnancy.

A small area at the base of the cerebrum that controls sleep-wake cycles, hunger, and thirst.

Part of the brainstem that controls involuntary functions like heartbeat and breathing.

An involuntary movement in response to a sudden stimulus, like pulling away from a hot object.

The pathway nerves take during a reflex action, from receptor to effector.

The sensory organ that detects a stimulus in a reflex action.

The muscle or gland that carries out the response in a reflex action.

Chemicals produced by plants that regulate growth and responses to the environment.

Plant movements that happen in a specific direction in relation to a stimulus, such as light or gravity.

Growth in response to gravity. Roots grow downwards (positive geotropism), stems grow upwards (negative geotropism).

Growth in response to light. Stems grow towards light (positive phototropism), roots grow away (negative phototropism).

Growth in response to water. Roots grow towards water (positive hydrotropism).

Growth in response to touch. Tendrils of climbing plants wrap around supports.

Plants use chemical means through hormones to coordinate their responses to stimuli, like light and gravity.

The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, is often called the 'master gland' because it controls the activity of many other glands in the body.

Growth hormone (GH) is produced by the pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in regulating growth and development. It stimulates cell growth and division, leading to an increase in bone and muscle mass.

The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development. It is essential for overall body function and plays a critical role in energy production.

Thyroxine (T4) is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, body temperature, and heart rate. It influences how quickly our cells use energy.

The adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, produce various hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones help us respond to stress and prepare the body for 'fight or flight' situations.

Insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates glucose levels in the blood. It helps cells absorb glucose for energy and prevents blood sugar levels from becoming too high.

Testosterone, produced by the testes, is the primary male sex hormone. It plays a crucial role in male sexual development, sperm production, and muscle growth.

Oestrogen, produced by the ovaries, is the primary female sex hormone. It plays a crucial role in female sexual development, egg production, and menstrual cycles.