The Nervous system and Endocrine system

Question 1

Define the nervous system

Answer 1

• A specialised network of cells in the human body and our primary communication system

Question 2

What are the two main functions of the nervous system?

Answer 2

1. To collect, process and respond to information in the environment
2. To co ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body

Question 3

What two parts is the nervous system divided into

Answer 3

-CNS
-PNS

Question 4

What are the two components of the nervous system?

Answer 4

• the brain
• the spinal cord

Question 5

What is the structure and function of the brain?

Answer 5

• Function = the brain is the centre of all conscious awareness, it is highly developed in humans
• Structure = Surrounded by an outer layer called the cerebral cortex

Question 6

What is the structure and function of the spinal cord

Answer 6

• it is an extension of the brain
• it passes messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the PNS
• it is responsible for reflexes

Question 7

What is the function of the PNS?

Answer 7

• The PNS is responsible for transmitting messages via neurons to and from the CNS

Question 8

What are the components of the PNS?

Answer 8

• the autonomic nervous system
• the somatic nervous system

Question 9

What is the function of the SNS and ANS?

Answer 9

• the SNS = transmits information from sense organs to the CNS which enables it to govern muscle movement and recieve information from sensory receptors
• The ANS = transmits information to and from internal body organs
• the ANS also governs vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, sexual arousal and stress

Question 10

What is the function of the endocrine system?

Answer 10

• the endocrine system works alongside the CNS to control vital functions in the human body
• the endocrine system works slower and has more widespread effects
• the endocrine system is also formed of glands which produce hormones

Question 11

Define a gland.

Answer 11

• An organ that synthesises hormones

Question 12

Define a hormone.

Answer 12

• A biochemical substance that circulates the blood and affects target organs

Question 13

Give an example of a gland and the function of the hormone it produces (thyroid)

Answer 13

Gland = the thyroid
Hormone = thyroxine
Function = increases heart rate, increases metabolic rates and growth rates

Question 14

What is the name and location of the master gland?

Answer 14

• the master gland is the pituitary gland and it is located in the brain

Question 15

How does the ANS switch states?

Answer 15

• when a stressor is percieved, the hypothalamus activates the pituitary gland
• this triggers the sympathetic branch of the ANS
• the ANS then changes from rest, the parasympathetic state to a state of physical arousal, the sympathetic state

Question 16

What is the function and production of adrenaline?

Answer 16

• adrenaline is a stress hormone released by the adrenal gland
• this triggers the fight or flight response

Question 17

What is the parasympathetic state?

Answer 17

• The state where we are relaxed and at rest

Question 18

What are characteristics of the parasympathetic state

Answer 18

• decreased heart rate
• decreased breathing rate
• constricts pupils
• stimulates digestion
• stimulates saliva production
• relaxes the rectum

Question 19

What is the sympathetic state?

Answer 19

• When the brain detects a stressor in the environment and we become physically aroused

Question 20

What are characteristics of the sympathetic state?

Answer 20

• increased heart rate
• increased breathing rate
• dilates pupils
• inhibits digestion
• inhibits saliva production
• contracts the rectum