Module 8: The Nervous System and the Endocrine System: Communicating Within the Body

Question 1

The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.

Answer 1

central nervous system (CNS)

Question 2

A bundle of neurons that leaves the brain and runs down the length of the back and is the main means for transmitting messages between the brain and the body.

Answer 2

spinal cord

Question 3

An automatic, involuntary response to an incoming stimulus.

Answer 3

reflex

Question 4

Neurons that transmit information from the perimeter of the body to the nervous system and brain.

Answer 4

sensory (afferent) neurons

Question 5

Neurons that communicate information from the brain and nervous system to muscles and glands.

Answer 5

motor (efferent) neurons

Question 6

Consists of the brain and the neurons extending throughout the body

Answer 6

The Nervous System

Question 7

Made up of long axons and dendrites, it contains all parts of the nervous system other than the brain and spinal cord

Answer 7

Peripheral Nervous System

Question 8

Consists of the brain and spinal cord

Answer 8

Central Nervous System

Question 9

Specializes in the control of voluntary movements and the communication of information to and from the sense organs

Answer 9

Somatic Division (voluntary)

Question 10

Concerned with the parts of the body that function involuntarily with- out our awareness

Answer 10

Autonomic Division (involuntary)

Question 11

A bundle of nerves that leaves the brain and runs down the length of the back; transmits messages between the brain and the body

Answer 11

Spinal Cord

Question 12

An organ roughly half the size of a loaf of bread that constantly controls behavior

Answer 12

Brain

Question 13

Acts to prepare the body in stressful emergency situations, engaging resources to respond to a threat

Answer 13

Sympathetic Division

Question 14

Acts to calm the body after an emergency situation has engaged the sympathetic division; provides a means for the body to maintain storage of energy sources

Answer 14

Parasympathetic Division

Question 15

The part of the nervous system that includes the autonomic and somatic subdivisions; made up of neurons with long axons and dendrites, it branches out from the spinal cord and brain and reaches the extremities of the body.

Answer 15

peripheral nervous system

Question 16

The part of the peripheral nervous system that special- izes in the control of voluntary movements and the communication
of information to and from the sense organs.

Answer 16

somatic division

Question 17

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary movement of the heart, glands, lungs, and other organs.

Answer 17

autonomic division

Question 18

The branch of psychology that seeks to identify behavior patterns that are a result of our genetic inheritance from our ancestors.

Answer 18

evolutionary psychology

Question 19

The study of the effects of heredity on behavior.

Answer 19

behavioral genetics

Question 20

A chemical communication network that sends messages throughout the body via the bloodstream.

Answer 20

endocrine system

Question 21

Chemicals that circulate through the blood and regulate the functioning or growth of the body.

Answer 21

hormones

Question 22

The major component of the endocrine system, or “master gland,” which secretes hormones that control growth and other parts of the endocrine system.

Answer 22

pituitary gland

Question 23

can provide added muscle and strength, but they have dangerous side effects.

Answer 23

Steroids