Introduction to the Nervous System Part 1 – 2.13

The Nervous System & The Brain – Edexcel GCSE (1BI0): Higher Tier

In this course, Dr Matt Ivory (Cardiff University) introduces us to both the brain and nervous system. covering topics 2.10B-2.12B, 2.13 & 2.14 in the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Biology (9-1) Higher Specification. We start (i) with an introduction to the nervous system and the structure of neurons and synapses (Topic 2.13); we then (ii) move onto to how the nervous system senses stimuli and the central nervous system specifically is used to dictate our response to these stimuli (Topic 2.13); following this (iii) we highlight the importance of the relax arc and the various neurons involved in this (Topic 2.14); after this (iv) we zoom out and have a look at the gross structures of the brain (Topic 2.10B); and finish up by discussing the techniques used to examine the brain such as PET and CT scans (Topic 2.11B & 2.12B).

Introduction to the Nervous System Part 1 – 2.13

In this first mini-lecture, we introduce the nervous system. We discuss the importance of the nervous system and look at the gross structure of neurons. We also look at the specific structures of sensory, relay and motor neurons as well as the role myelin plays in efficiently transmitted electrical impulses. We finish up this mini-lecture by looking at how synapses work, their structure and the role of neurotransmitters into transferring an electrical signal from one neuron to the next.