The nervous system and endocrine system Flashcards
What is the nervous system?
The NS is a specialised network of cells in the human body and is our primary internal communication system.
What are the 2 main function of the NS?
- To collect, process and respond to information in the environment.
- To co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body.
What is the NS divided into?
The PNS
The CNS
What is the CNS?
The CNS consists of the brain ( centre of concious and unconcious processing) and the spinal cord ( receives and transmits information to the brain, and some reflex actions) and is the origin of all complex commands and behaviours.
What is the PNS?
The PNS sends messages to the CNS from the outside world, and transmits messages from the CNS to muscles and glands in the body.
What is the PNS further divided in to?
The ANS
The SNS
What is the SNS?
The SNS transmits information from receptor cells in the sense organs to the CNS, and recieves information from the CNS that direct muscles to act.
- Controls Skeletal Muscles for movement
- It is a voluntary system ( under concious control)
What is the ANS?
The ANS transmits info to and from internal bodily organs. It is automatic (involuntary).
- Divided into the Parasympathetic and Sympathetic nervous system.
- Controls actions of internal organs and glands, Governs vital functions such as breathing, stress response, sexual arousal.
What is the role of the Symathetic system of the ANS?
The Sympathetic increases bodily activities, and releases noradrenaline, it activates in the flight or fight response.
-Increases heart rate
-Raises blood pressure
-Diverts blood flow to working muscles
-Inhibits digestion
-Dilates pupils
-Reduces appetite
What is the role of the Parasympathetic system of the ANS?
The Parasympathetic system decreases bodily activities via the release of acetylcholine. It activates in the rest ( Rest and Digest ).
-Slows down heart rate
-Decrease blood pressure
-Dilates blood vessels
-Stimulates digestion
-Constricts pupils
-Increases appetite
What is the Endocrine system?
The Endocrine system instructs glands to release hormones directly into the blood stream, which are then carried to the target organ in the body.
What are the glands in the endocrine system?
Hypothalamus
Pituitary
Thryoid
Adrenal
Pancreas
Ovaries and Testies
Outline the role of the Pituitary gland.
Controls releases of hormones from other glands and is known as the master gland.
It releases ACTH - Present in the fight or flight response, and triggers the release of the stress hormone cortisol in the adrenal gland.
Outline the role of the Hypothalamus.
It works with the pituitary gland to link the nervous system with the endocrine system.
- It maintains homeostasis
- Releases CRH in the fight or flight response
Outline the role of the Pineal gland.
The pineal gland modulates sleep pattern, keeping the body to a day/night circadian rhythm.
- Releases Melatonin
Outline the role of the Thryoid gland.
The thyroid modulates metabolism
- Releasing Thryoxine
Outline the role of the Pancreas.
The pancreas regulates blood sugar levels.
- Releases Insulin and Glucagon.
- Insulin helps blood sugar enter the blood cells so it can be used as energy
Outline the role of the Adrenal Gland.
Releases adrenaline from the adrenal medulla to prepare the body for the fight or flight response.
- Also releases cortisol from the Adrenal cortex.
Outline the role of the Testicles and the Ovaries.
Ovaries : Produce Oestrogen , For the development of Primary and secondary sex characteristics, also controlling menstraul cycle.
Testies : Produces Testosterone, for the development of primary and secondary sex characteristics. Regulate sperm production and puberty.
