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Year 10 - Science

Neurones and synapses

Coordination and control: the human nervous system

Unit Summary

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.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe the structures and functions of neurones and the synapses between neurones.

Key Notes

  • Neurones are specialised cells that transmit nerve impulses
  • The common structures of neurones, including cell body and axon
  • A myelin sheath on some neurones increases the speed of the nerve impulse
  • Nerve impulses pass from one neurone to another across a gap called a synapse
  • An impulse arriving at a synapse releases neurotransmitters that diffuse across the gap to receptors on the next neurone

Vocabulary To Learn

  • neurone: A nerve cell which transmits electrical impulses between different parts of the body.
  • axon: The part of a neurone which carries the signal.
  • myelin sheath: A fatty coating on the neurone which insulates it.
  • synapse: The junction between two neurones.
  • neurotransmitter: A chemical transmitter which crosses the synapse and triggers the onward response.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • There is usually a lot of confusion over the synapse and how the signal moves from electrical, to chemical, to electrical again. There are many new key words involved, which makes it even harder.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

Neurones are specialised cells that transmit nerve impulses. The common structures of neurones, including cell body and axon.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'neurone'

A nerve cell which transmits electrical impulses between different parts of the body. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: There is usually a lot of confusion over the synapse and how the signal moves from electrical, to chemical, to electrical again. There are many new key words involved, which makes it even harder. Correction: The synapse has been broken down into several stages with clear diagrams and carefully used key words. There are plenty of opportunities to practise using the terminology and explaining the process, including applying it to a real-world scenario.

More Lessons In This Unit

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