Biopsych: Nervous And Endocrine System Flashcards
What is the nervous system?
A specialised network of cells for internal communication (primary system) based on electrical and chemical signals
What are the primary functions of the nervous system?
Collects, processes, and responds to information in the environment; coordinates the working of different cells and organs
Into what two main parts is the nervous system divided?
- Central nervous system
- Peripheral nervous system
What are the components of the central nervous system?
- Brain
- Spinal cord
What is the role of the brain in the central nervous system?
Center of all conscious awareness
What is the cerebral cortex?
An outer layer found in all mammal brains
How is the human brain structured?
Divided into 2 hemispheres and highly developed
What is the function of the spinal cord?
Extension of the brain that passes messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the PNS
What are reflex actions?
Automatic responses processed by the spinal cord
What does the peripheral nervous system do?
Transmits messages through millions of neurons to and from the central nervous system
What are the two divisions of the peripheral nervous system?
- Autonomic nervous system
- Somatic nervous system
What is the role of the autonomic nervous system?
Controls bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, sexual arousal, and stress
What is the function of the somatic nervous system?
In charge of muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors
What is the endocrine system’s relationship with the nervous system?
Works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions
How does the speed of the endocrine system compare to the nervous system?
Slower than the nervous system, the endocrine system is widespread and has powerful effects
What is the primary role of glands in the endocrine system?
Produce hormones secreted into the bloodstream
What is the effect of hormones in the body?
Affect any cell that has receptors for that type of hormone and often affect cells in more than one organ
What hormone does the thyroid gland produce and what are its effects?
Thyroxine; increases metabolic rates and affects growth rates
What is the function of the pituitary gland?
Controls the release of hormones from all other endocrine glands
How do the endocrine system and autonomic nervous system work together during stress?
Hypothalamus activates the pituitary gland, changing ANS from a parasympathetic (resting) state and activating the sympathetic branch of the ANS
What physiological state does the sympathetic branch of the ANS create?
Physiologically aroused state
What is the role of adrenaline in response to stress?
Released from the adernal gland into the bloodstream and triggering physiological changes and arousal needed for the fight or flight response
Happens immediately and automatically after a threat is detected
- Explains why stress, panic or excitement can make us feel sick
What happens to the body once a threat has passed?
The parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to resting state
Fill in the blank: The parasympathetic branch of the ANS works in the _______ way to the sympathetic system.
opposite
What is the effect of the sympathetic state on heart rate?
Increases heart rate
What happens to pupils during the sympathetic state?
Dilates pupils
What is inhibited during the sympathetic state?
Inhibits saliva production
What is the effect of the parasympathetic state on breathing?
Decreases breathing
What does the parasympathetic state do to digestion?
Stimulates digestion
What is relaxed during the parasympathetic state?
Relaxes rectum
