The Nervous & Endocrine System

Question 1

What is the Nervous System?

Answer 1

A specialised network of cells in our body that is the main internal communication system in our body

Question 2

What are the 2 functions of the nervous system?

Answer 2

1. To collect, process & respond to info in the environment
2. To coordinate the functions of organs & cells in our body

Question 3

What are the 2 sub-systems of the nervous system

Answer 3

Central nervous system (CNS)
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Question 4

What is the CNS made up of?

Answer 4

Brain & spinal cord

Question 5

What is the function of the CNS?

Answer 5

Passes messages to & from the brain and connects nerves to PNS

Question 6

What is the function of the brain in the CNS?

Answer 6

• centre of all conscious awareness
• outer layer is cerebral cortex (split into 4 lobes) & distinguishes our higher mental functions from those of animals
• split into 2 hemispheres

Question 7

What is the function of the spinal cord in the CNS?

Answer 7

• extension of the brain
• responsible for reflex actions

Question 8

What is the function of the PNS?

Answer 8

Transmits messages through neurons to & from CNS

Question 9

What are the 2 sub divisions of the PNS?

Answer 9

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) and Somatic nervous system (SNS)

Question 10

What is the function of the ANS?

Answer 10

Govern vital functions in the body e.g. breathing, heart rate, digestion & stress responses

Question 11

What is the function of the SNS?

Answer 11

Controls muscle movement & receives info from sensory receptors

Question 12

What is the function of the endocrine system?

Answer 12

Instructs glands to release hormones into the body which are carried to target organs

Question 13

How does the endocrine system act differently compared to the nervous system?

Answer 13

It acts much slower but has longer lasting & powerful effects than the nervous system

Question 14

What are the main glands involved in the endocrine system?

Answer 14

• hypothalamus
  pituitary gland
• thyroid gland
• adrenal gland
• pancreas
• ovaries (female)
• testes (male)

Question 15

Why is the pituitary gland called the ‘master gland’?

Answer 15

It secretes many different hormones which also stimulates other glands to release hormones

Question 16

What is the function of the thyroid gland?

Answer 16

• To produce thyroxine which increases the metabolic rate in our body by also increasing the heart rate
• controls growth & development

Question 17

What are the 2 branches of the autonomic system?

Answer 17

Sympathetic & parasympathetic nervous system

Question 18

What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system?

Answer 18

Responds to dangerous or stressful situations by increasing heart rate, slowing digestion & dilating pupils for e.g.

Question 19

What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Answer 19

Responsible for body’s rest by decreasing heart rate, increasing digestion & constricting pupils for e.g.

Question 20

How does the endocrine system & nervous system work together?

Answer 20

during a stressful event:
1. stressor is perceived
2. hypothalamus triggers sympathetic state in ANS
3. ANS changes from parasympathetic to sympathetic state
4. adrenaline is released into the bloodstream which triggers increase in heart rate & prepares body for fight or flight
5. parasympathetic nervous system returns body to resting state after threat has passed