the nervous & endocrine system

Question 1

-explain the nervous system?

Answer 1

-specialised network of cells in the human body
-has two main functions
1. to collect, process and respond to info in the environment
2. to co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body
= both maintain life

Question 2

what are the two subsystems of the nervous system?

Answer 2

• central nervous system (CNS)

- Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Question 3

explain the central nervous system?

Answer 3

• made up of brain and the spinal chord
• brain in centre of all conscious awareness
• outer layer= cerebral cortex, distinguishes higher mental functions from animals
• spinal cord is extension of the brain, responsible for reflex actions, passing messages to brain and connects nerves to the PNS

Question 4

explain the PNS?

Answer 4

• transmits messages via neurons to and from the CNS
• divided into 2 subsections
  
  1. Autonomic nervous system (ANS) governs vital functions eg. breathing, heart rate
  2. Somatic nervous system (SNS)

Question 5

explain the SNS?

Answer 5

• (SNS) control muscle movement

- receives sensory info from sensory receptors

Question 6

explain the ANS?

Answer 6

(ANS) governs vital functions eg. breathing, heart rate

Question 7

explain the endocrine system?

Answer 7

endocrine:

• secretes hormones into blood via glands that affect cells in our body
• receptors recognise and respond to these hormones, and regulate many bodily functions
• slower rate of effect than CNS

Question 8

-what are the key differences between CNS and endocrine system?

Answer 8

• endocrine:
  
  • secretes hormones into blood via glands that affect cells in our body
  • receptors recognise and respond to these hormones, and regulate many bodily functions
  • slower rate of effect than CNS
• CNS:
  
  • transmits messages via neurotransmitters in brain
  • although both systems are separate they often work together to help body functions properly eg. in fight or flight

Question 9

explain endocrine and ANS: fight or flight

Answer 9

• works together
• hypothalamus triggers sympathetic branch of ANS
• changes from parasympathetic state to sympathetic state
• -adrenaline is released from adrenal medulla+ change eg. increased heart rate = ForF response
• once threat passes parasympathetic nervous system returns (antagonistic to sympathetic branch)