Biopsychology- The Nervous System And The Endocrine System Flashcards
Nervous system -
Consists of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
Central nervous system (CNS) -
Consists of the brain and the spinal cord and is the origin of all complex commands and decisions.
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
Sends information to the central nervous system (CNS) from the outside world, and transmits messages from the CNS to muscles and glands in the body.
Somatic nervous system -
Transmits information from receptor cells in the sense organs to the central nervous system (CNS). It also receives information from the CNS that directs muscles to act.
Autonomic nervous system (ANS) -
Transmits information to and from internal bodily organs. It is
“autonomic as the system operates involuntarily (i.e. it is automatio). It has two main divisions: the sympathetic und
parasimpuherc nervous systems.
Endocrine system -
One of the body’s major information systerns that instructs glands to release hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones are carried towards target organs in the body.
Gland-
An organ in the body that synthesises substances
such as hormones.
Hormones -
Chemical substances that circulate in the bloodstream and only aftect target organs. They are produced in large quanutes but disappear quickly. Their effects are very powerful.
Fight or flight response
The way an animal responds
When stressed. The body becomes physiologically aroused
in readiness to fight an aggressor or. in some cases, flee.
Adrenaline -
A hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Which is part of the human body’s immediate stress response system. Adrenaline has a strong effect on the cells of the cardiovascular system = stimulating the heart rate💘, contracting blood vessels and dilating ar passages.
What is the nervous system?
The nervous system is a specialised network of cells in the human body and is the primary internal communication system.
What are the two main functions of the nervous system?
- To collect, process, and respond to information in the environment.
- To coordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body.
Into what two sub-systems is the nervous system divided?
- Central Nervous System (CNS)
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
What does the CNS consist of?
The CNS is made up of the brain and the spinal cord.
What is the function of the brain in the CNS?
The brain is the center of all conscious awareness.
What is unique about the brain’s outer layer, the cerebral cortex?
The cerebral cortex is highly developed in humans and distinguishes our higher mental functions from those of animals.
Are there living creatures without a brain? Provide examples.
Yes, examples include sponges, sea squirts, and jellyfish.
Into how many hemispheres is the brain divided?
The brain is divided into two hemispheres.
What is the spinal cord and its function?
The spinal cord is an extension of the brain, responsible for reflex actions (e.g., pulling your hand away from a hot plate). It transmits messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the PNS.
What is the function of the PNS?
The PNS transmits messages, via millions of neurons, to and from the CNS.
Into what two sub-systems is the PNS divided?
- Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
- Somatic Nervous System (SNS)
What does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) govern?
The ANS governs vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, sexual arousal, and stress responses.
What does the somatic nervous system (SNS) control?
The SNS controls muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors.
How does the endocrine system work with the nervous system?
The endocrine system works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body.
How does the endocrine system differ from the nervous system?
The endocrine system acts more slowly than the nervous system but has very widespread and powerful effects.
What are glands and their role in the endocrine system?
Glands, such as the thyroid gland, produce hormones that are secreted into the bloodstream and affect any cell with a receptor for that hormone.
What are hormones, and what do they affect?
Hormones are chemical messengers that affect cells in several organs or throughout the body, causing diverse and powerful responses.
Provide an example of a hormone and its effects.
Thyroxine, produced by the thyroid gland, increases heart rate and metabolic rates, affecting growth rates.
What is the major endocrine gland, and why is it called the “master gland”?
The pituitary gland, located in the brain, is called the “master gland” because it controls the release of hormones from all other endocrine glands.
How do the endocrine system and the ANS work together during a stressful event?
When a stressor is perceived, the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the ANS, which changes the body from the parasympathetic (resting) state to the sympathetic (aroused) state.
What happens when the sympathetic branch of the ANS is activated?
The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline into the bloodstream, causing physiological changes like increased heart rate, enabling the fight or flight response.
What is an acute response?
An acute response is an automatic, immediate reaction to a detected threat.
What is the parasympathetic nervous system’s role after a threat has passed?
The parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to its resting state by reducing activities increased by the sympathetic branch. This is called the “rest and digest” response.
