Module 8: The Nervous System and the Endocrine System: Communicating Within the Body Flashcards
The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.
central nervous system (CNS)
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.
spinal cord
An automatic, involuntary response to an incoming stimulus.
reflex
Neurons that transmit information from the perimeter of the body to the nervous system and brain.
sensory (afferent) neurons
Neurons that communicate information from the brain and nervous system to muscles and glands.
motor (efferent) neurons
Consists of the brain and the neurons extending throughout the body
The Nervous System
Made up of long axons and dendrites, it contains all parts of the nervous system other than the brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System
Consists of the brain and spinal cord
Central Nervous System
Specializes in the control of voluntary movements and the communication of information to and from the sense organs
Somatic Division (voluntary)
Concerned with the parts of the body that function involuntarily with- out our awareness
Autonomic Division (involuntary)
A bundle of nerves that leaves the brain and runs down the length of the back; transmits messages between the brain and the body
Spinal Cord
An organ roughly half the size of a loaf of bread that constantly controls behavior
Brain
Acts to prepare the body in stressful emergency situations, engaging resources to respond to a threat
Sympathetic Division
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
Parasympathetic Division
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.
peripheral nervous system
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.
somatic division
The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary movement of the heart, glands, lungs, and other organs.
autonomic division
The branch of psychology that seeks to identify behavior patterns that are a result of our genetic inheritance from our ancestors.
evolutionary psychology
The study of the effects of heredity on behavior.
behavioral genetics
A chemical communication network that sends messages throughout the body via the bloodstream.
endocrine system
Chemicals that circulate through the blood and regulate the functioning or growth of the body.
hormones
The major component of the endocrine system, or “master gland,” which secretes hormones that control growth and other parts of the endocrine system.
pituitary gland
can provide added muscle and strength, but they have dangerous side effects.
Steroids
