biopsych - nervous/endocrine system Flashcards
1
Q
what is the nervous system based on
A
electrical & chemical signals
2
Q
what is the endocrine system based on
A
hormones
3
Q
2 main functions of nervous system
A
- collect, process & respond to information in environment
- co-ordinate working of different organs/cells
4
Q
2 subsystems of nervous system
A
- central nervous system
- peripheral nervous system
5
Q
what is the CNS made of
A
- brain
- spinal cord
6
Q
describe the brain
A
- centre of all conscious awareness
- outer layer = cerebral cortex (3mm thick)
- divided into 2 hemispheres
7
Q
describe the spinal cord
A
- extension of the brain
- passes messages to/from brain
- connects nerves to PNS
- responsible for reflex actions
8
Q
subdivisions of peripheral nervous system
A
- autonomic nervous system = governs vital functions in body
- somatic nervous system = governs muscle movement & recieves information from sensory receptors
9
Q
differences of endocrine system compared to nervous system
A
- slower
- widespread/powerful effects
- various glands produce hormones
- secreted into bloodstream
- effect any cell with receptor
10
Q
describe thyroxine
A
- released from thyroid gland
- affects cells in heart (increase heart rate)
- affects cells throughout body increasing metabolic rates
- affects growth rates
11
Q
main glands of endocrine system
A
- hypothalamus
- pituitary
- thyroid
- adrenal
- pancreas
- ovaries (female)
- testes (male)
12
Q
describe pituitary gland
A
- ‘master gland’
- controls release of hormones from other glands
13
Q
what 2 systems work in parallel with each other
A
autonomic nervous system & endocrine system
14
Q
describe the fight or flight response
A
- stressor perceived & hypothalamus activates pituitary gland which triggers activity in sympathetic branch
- ANS changes from normal resting state (parasympathetic) to physiologically aroused state (sympathetic)
15
Q
describe role of adrenaline in fight or flight response
A
- released from adrenal medulla
- triggers physiological changes in the body
- creates physiological arousal necessary for fight or flight response
16
Q
describe parasympathetic action of fight or flight response
A
- returns body to resting state
- works in opposition to sympathetic nervous system (antagonistic)
- rest and digest response
