Biology (Separate Science) · GCSE · AQA · AQA GCSE Biology - Foundation (8461) · Specification point · 4.5.2.1 · Homeostasis and response · The human nervous system
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4.5.2.1 Structure and function
| Content | Key opportunities for skills development |
|---|---|
Students should be able to explain how the structure of the nervous system is adapted to its functions. The nervous system enables humans to react to their surroundings and to coordinate their behaviour. Information from receptors passes along cells (neurones) as electrical impulses to the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is the brain and spinal cord. The CNS coordinates the response of effectors which may be muscles contracting or glands secreting hormones. stimulus → receptor → coordinator → effector → response Students should be able to explain how the various structures in a reflex arc – including the sensory neurone, synapse, relay neurone and motor neurone – relate to their function. Students should understand why reflex actions are important. Reflex actions are automatic and rapid; they do not involve the conscious part of the brain. | |
Students should be able to extract and interpret data from graphs, charts and tables, about the functioning of the nervous system. | MS 2c |
Students should be able to translate information about reaction times between numerical and graphical forms.
MS 4a |
Required practical activity 7: plan and carry out an investigation into the effect of a factor on human reaction time.
AT skills covered by this practical activity: AT 1, 3 and 4.
This practical activity also provides opportunities to develop WS and MS. Details of all skills are given in Key opportunities for skills development.