RESPONSE AND CO-ORDINATION

Irritability/sensitivity is a characteristic of all living organisms. It has three main components: sensitivity,
co-ordination and response. Cells and organs do not work independently. Their activities are co-
ordinated to carry out their various functions at certain times and certain rates according to the needs of
the body. Co-ordination in mammals is achieved through two systems each with its particular role.

The two systems are nervous and endocrine system. The nervous system deals with a rapid but short
lasting response whereas the endocrine system deals with slower responses.

SENSE ORGAN STIMULI RESPONSE

Eye light sight
Ear sound hearing
Nose Chemical in the smell
air
Skin Pressure, touch
temperature
Tongue Chemical in food taste

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Specific objectives
 Discuss the relationship of sensory (receptor) cells, sense organs and the effector organs.
 Describe the functions of a sensory neurone, a motor neurone and a relay neurone.
 Draw a labelled diagram of a sensory neurone, a motor neurone and a relay neurone.
 Demonstrate and describe a reflex action
 Describe the functions of ,pituitary gland, and spinal cord.

The nervous system in human consists of

i. The central nervous system: consists of the brain and the spinal cord, the function of which is to
receive information, integrate and process it.
ii. The peripheral nervous system: consists of the neurons, sense organs and effector organs.
 The neurones link the central nervous system with the body’s receptors and effectors.

 Sensory organs contain sensory cells called receptors

 Receptors are sensory cells that receive stimuli from the internal and external
environment and convert them into nerve impulses. [N.B: Stimulus is any change
detected in the environment]

 Effectors are structures that bring about a response .They include muscles and glands.

NEURONES
Neurones are also called nerve cells. Neurons are specialized to conduct electrical impulses.

All neurons have the following structures:

  The cell body containing a nucleus, many mitochondria and ribosomes. The nucleus in the cell
body controls all activities taking place within neurone.
 Axon- transmit nerve impulses away from the cell body
 Dendron /dendrites conducts impulses towards the cell body.
 Myelin sheath which provide insulation. It also increases speed of conduction
 Synaptic knob –produces a chemical called neurotransmitter.
 Node of ranvier –speed up transmission of impulses

. Types of neurones

1. A sensory neurone - transmit impulses from the sense organs or receptors to the central nervous
system.

DRAWING

2. Motor neurone -transmit impulses from the central nervous system to the effectors.

DRAWING

3. Relay neurone (Intermediate/Multipolar neurone): are found within the central nervous
system and transmit impulses within the CNS.

DRAWING

ACTIVITY: Compare the sensory and motor neurones

Synapse
A synapse is a gap /space between two neurones. When an impulse arrive at the synapse, the
synaptic knob releases a chemical substance called a neurotransmitter which carries the message
by diffusion to the next neurone. At the next neurone the message changes back to an impulse .

A REFLEX ACTION
A reflex action is an automatic and rapid response to a stimulus. Reflex actions are involuntary
and are meant to protect the body from danger. Examples include:
 If you accidentally place your hand on a hot object, it is rapidly pulled away.
 When a particle of dust touches the cornea of the eye, you blink.
 A particle of food touching the lining of the windpipe will set off a coughing reflex which
cannot be suppressed.
 Knee jerk
 Sneezing
 Pupil reflex
Demonstrating knee jerk reflex (reflex action)
Work with a partner
1. Sit on your desk with your left leg crossed over your right leg. Your muscles must be
Completely relaxed.
2. Your partner must tap the area just below your knee cap on your left leg with a ruler.
 3. Observe what happens.

The path along which nerve impulses travel in a reflex action is called a reflex arc.

DIAGRAM OF A REFLEX ARC

THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

The central nervous system consists of:

1. brain and the
2. Spinal cord.

.The central nervous system

Pituitary gland This gland is attached to the base of the -It secretes a number of
hypothalamus. hormones e,g ADH ,FSH.
- It also stimulates other
endocrine glands to secrete
hormones.

Spinal cord The spinal cord is an extension of the brain
enclosed within the vertebral column. It
runs from the base of brain to the lumber
region.
1. It serves as a conduct for
signals between the brain and
the rest of the body.
2. It also controls simple
musculoskeletal reflexes
without input from the brain.