Nervous system + Endocrine system

Question 1

Nervous system

Answer 1

• 2 main functions - 1) collect, process and respond to info in the environment
  2) coordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body
• Divided into 2 subsystems : Central nervous system (CNS) and Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
• CNS - made up of brain and spinal cord
• PNS - subdivided into : Autonomic nervous system (ANS) and Somatic nervous system (SNS)
• ANS - governs vital functions e.g breathing and heart rate - split into 2 further subdivisions : Sympathetic nervous system and the Parasympathetic nervous system
• SNS - governs muscle movement

Question 2

Endocrine system

Answer 2

• Instructs glands to release hormones into the bloodstream
• Pituitary gland - located in the brain - controls the release of hormones from all the other endocrine glands in the body

Fight or flight response
- When a stressor is present - the hypothalamus activates the pituitary gland which triggers activity in the sympathetic nervous system (SYNS)
- ANS changes from its resting state (parasympathetic state) to a sympathetic state
- Stress hormone, adrenaline is released from adrenal medulla - adrenaline triggers physiological changes in the body e.g increased heart rate
- Once threat has passed - parasympathetic nervous system returns body to resting state