Biopsychology : The Nervous System And Endocrine System Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is the nervous system
Consists of the CNS and the peripheral nervous system
Communicates electrical signals
Specialised network of cells in the human body
Our primary internal communication system
What is one difference between the CNS and endocrine system
The CNS is based on electrical and chemical signals whereas the endocrine is based on hormones
What are the two main functions 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 nervous system divided into
CNS
PNS
What is the CNS made up of
Brain and spinal cord
What is the brains role in the CNS
The brains is the centre of all conscious awareness
The cerebral cortex (outer layer) is only 3mm and covers the brain
Highly developed in humans and is what distinguishes our higher mental functions
Divided into two hemispheres
What does the spinal cord do
Extension of the brain
Passes messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the PNS
RESPONSIBLE FOR REFLEX ACTIONS
Definition of CNS
Consists of the brain and spinal cord and is the origin of all complex commands and decisions
Definition of PNS
Sends information to the CNS from the outside world
Transmits messages from the CNS to muscles and glands in the body
How does the PNS transmit messages
Via neurons (nerve cells)
What is the PNS further subdivided into
Automatic nervous system
Somatic nervous system
Definition of ANS
Transmits info to and from internal bodily organs
It is automatic as the system operates INVOLUNTARY
What is the ANS further divided into
Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system
Comparison of nervous system and endocrine system
NS based on electrical and chemical signals whereas endocrine is based on hormones
NS acts more rapidly whereas endocrine acts slower but still fast
Endocrine effects last longer than NS
Why does the endocrine take longer
Hormones have to travel through the bloodstream which takes 2-3 seconds
Breakdown of nervous system
HUMAN NEVOUS SYSTEM
/. \
PNS. CNS
/. . /. \
ANS. SOMATIC. BRAIN. SPINAL CORD
/. \
SYMPATHETIC. PARASYMPATHETIC
Sympathetic nervous system VS parasympathetic nervous system
The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for a ‘fight or flight’ response during stressful or threatening situations. It increases heart rate, dilates pupils, inhibits digestion, and releases adrenaline to prepare the body for action.
In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system promotes a ‘rest and digest’ state. It slows the heart rate, constricts pupils, stimulates digestion, and conserves energy after the threat has passed.
These two systems work antagonistically to maintain homeostasis — the body’s internal balance. For example, after a stressful event, the parasympathetic system calms the body down by reversing the actions of the sympathetic system.
What do various glands produce
Hormones
Examples of glands and hormones
Adrenal gland - adrenaline
Thyroid gland - thyroxine
Where are hormones secreted into and what do they affect
Bloodstream
Affect any cell in the body that has a receptor for that particular hormone
Thyroid gland
Produces thyroxine
The hormone increases heart rate
Increases metabolic rates
This in turn affects growth rates
What is the main gland in the endocrine system and why is it important
Pituitary gland
‘Master gland’ which is located in the brain and its controls the release of hormones from all other endocrine systems in the body
Definition of endocrine system
One of the body’s major information systems that instruct glands to release hormones directly into the bloodstream
These hormones are carried towards target organs
Communicates via chemicals
Definition of gland
An organ in the body that synthesises substances such as hormones
