Biopsychology- The Nervous System And The Endocrine System

Question 1

Nervous system -

Answer 1

Consists of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.

Question 2

Central nervous system (CNS) -

Answer 2

Consists of the brain and the spinal cord and is the origin of all complex commands and decisions.

Question 3

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Answer 3

Sends information to the central nervous system (CNS) from the outside world, and transmits messages from the CNS to muscles and glands in the body.

Question 4

Somatic nervous system -

Answer 4

Transmits information from receptor cells in the sense organs to the central nervous system (CNS). It also receives information from the CNS that directs muscles to act.

Question 5

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) -

Answer 5

Transmits information to and from internal bodily organs. It is
“autonomic as the system operates involuntarily (i.e. it is automatio). It has two main divisions: the sympathetic und
parasimpuherc nervous systems.

Question 6

Endocrine system -

Answer 6

One of the body’s major information systerns that instructs glands to release hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones are carried towards target organs in the body.

Question 7

Gland-

Answer 7

An organ in the body that synthesises substances
such as hormones.

Question 8

Hormones -

Answer 8

Chemical substances that circulate in the bloodstream and only aftect target organs. They are produced in large quanutes but disappear quickly. Their effects are very powerful.

Question 9

Fight or flight response

Answer 9

The way an animal responds
When stressed. The body becomes physiologically aroused
in readiness to fight an aggressor or. in some cases, flee.

Question 10

Adrenaline -

Answer 10

A hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Which is part of the human body’s immediate stress response system. Adrenaline has a strong effect on the cells of the cardiovascular system = stimulating the heart rate💘, contracting blood vessels and dilating ar passages.

Question 11

What is the nervous system?

Answer 11

The nervous system is a specialised network of cells in the human body and is the primary internal communication system.

Question 12

What are the two main functions of the nervous system?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Into what two sub-systems is the nervous system divided?

Answer 13

1. Central Nervous System (CNS)
2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Question 14

What does the CNS consist of?

Answer 14

The CNS is made up of the brain and the spinal cord.

Question 15

What is the function of the brain in the CNS?

Answer 15

The brain is the center of all conscious awareness.

Question 16

What is unique about the brain’s outer layer, the cerebral cortex?

Answer 16

The cerebral cortex is highly developed in humans and distinguishes our higher mental functions from those of animals.

Question 17

Are there living creatures without a brain? Provide examples.

Answer 17

Yes, examples include sponges, sea squirts, and jellyfish.

Question 18

Into how many hemispheres is the brain divided?

Answer 18

The brain is divided into two hemispheres.

Question 19

What is the spinal cord and its function?

Answer 19

The spinal cord is an extension of the brain, responsible for reflex actions (e.g., pulling your hand away from a hot plate). It transmits messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the PNS.

Question 20

What is the function of the PNS?

Answer 20

The PNS transmits messages, via millions of neurons, to and from the CNS.

Question 21

Into what two sub-systems is the PNS divided?

Answer 21

1. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
2. Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

Question 22

What does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) govern?

Answer 22

The ANS governs vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, sexual arousal, and stress responses.

Question 23

What does the somatic nervous system (SNS) control?

Answer 23

The SNS controls muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors.

Question 24

How does the endocrine system work with the nervous system?

Answer 24

The endocrine system works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body.

Question 25

How does the endocrine system differ from the nervous system?

Answer 25

The endocrine system acts more slowly than the nervous system but has very widespread and powerful effects.

Question 26

What are glands and their role in the endocrine system?

Answer 26

Glands, such as the thyroid gland, produce hormones that are secreted into the bloodstream and affect any cell with a receptor for that hormone.

Question 27

What are hormones, and what do they affect?

Answer 27

Hormones are chemical messengers that affect cells in several organs or throughout the body, causing diverse and powerful responses.

Question 28

Provide an example of a hormone and its effects.

Answer 28

Thyroxine, produced by the thyroid gland, increases heart rate and metabolic rates, affecting growth rates.

Question 29

What is the major endocrine gland, and why is it called the “master gland”?

Answer 29

The pituitary gland, located in the brain, is called the “master gland” because it controls the release of hormones from all other endocrine glands.

Question 30

How do the endocrine system and the ANS work together during a stressful event?

Answer 30

When a stressor is perceived, the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the ANS, which changes the body from the parasympathetic (resting) state to the sympathetic (aroused) state.

Question 31

What happens when the sympathetic branch of the ANS is activated?

Answer 31

The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline into the bloodstream, causing physiological changes like increased heart rate, enabling the fight or flight response.

Question 32

What is an acute response?

Answer 32

An acute response is an automatic, immediate reaction to a detected threat.

Question 33

What is the parasympathetic nervous system’s role after a threat has passed?

Answer 33

The parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to its resting state by reducing activities increased by the sympathetic branch. This is called the “rest and digest” response.