Nervous & Endocrine System Flashcards
(19 cards)
1
Q
Nervous System
A
- Specialised network of cells that is the body’s primary communication system
- Collects, processes, and responds to info in the environment
- Coordinates the working of different organs and cells in the body
- Communicates via fast-moving electrical signals
- Consists of CNS and PNS
2
Q
Central Nervous System (CNS)
A
- Consists of brain and spinal cord
- Is origin of all complex commands and decisions
- Centre of conscious awareness
3
Q
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
A
- Transmits messages via millions of neurons (from outside world) to and from the CNS (to muscles and glands)
- PNS is further divided into SNS and ANS
4
Q
Somatic Nervous System (SNS)
A
- Controls muscle movement via info from CNS and receives info from sensory receptors that is transmitted to CNS
5
Q
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
A
- Governs vital bodily functions like breathing, heart rate, digestion, sexual arousal, and stress responses
- Transmits info to and from organs
- System works involuntarily
- Is divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic systems
6
Q
Sympathetic State
A
- Increased heart and breathing rate
- Dilates pupils
- Inhibits digestion and saliva production
7
Q
Parasympathetic State
A
- Decreases heart and breathing rate
- Constricts pupils
- Stimulates digestion and saliva production
8
Q
Gland
A
- Organ that synthesises substances like hormones
9
Q
Hypothalamus
A
- Controls the release of 8 major hormones by pituitary gland
10
Q
Thyroid/Parathyroid
A
- Thyroid plays a major role in metabolism, growth, and maturation
- Parathyroid glands are 4 small glands that lie behind thyroid
11
Q
Adrenals
A
- Located at top of each kidney
- They produce hormones that help the body control blood sugar, burn protein and fat, react to stressors, and regulate blood pressure
- 2 important adrenal hormones are cortisol and aldosterone
12
Q
Pancreas
A
- Produces insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin
13
Q
Ovaries & Testes
A
- Ovaries are 2 small organs for child birth
- Testes are 2 small glands which produce sperm and testosterone
14
Q
Hormones
A
- Powerful biochemical substances that circulate in bloodstream but only affect target organs
- Produced in large quantities but disappear quickly
- Act as chemical messengers within the body, telling it to perform specific physical and mental functions
- Do not cause behaviour, rather they alter the probability of a behaviour occurring
15
Q
Pituitary Gland
A
- Major endocrine gland (master gland)
- It controls the release of hormones from all other endocrine glands in the body
- Sits at base of the brain
- Divided into anterior (functionally linked to hypothalamus) and posterior (hormones secreted here)
- Functions – Secrets hormones, regulates homeostasis, etc
16
Q
Fight Or Flight Response Definition
A
- Where your endocrine system and ANS work together
- The body becomes physiologically aroused in readiness to fight an aggressor/flee
17
Q
FoF Response Procedure
A
1) Stressor is perceived
2) Hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of ANS
3) ANS changes from parasympathetic to sympathetic state
4) Adrenaline is released from adrenal medulla into the bloodstream
5) Adrenaline triggers physiological changes in the body which create need for fight or flight
6) Body returns to parasympathetic when we are safe
18
Q
Adrenaline
A
- Hormone produced by adrenal glands
- Is part of body’s immediate stress response system
- Adrenaline had strong effect on cells of cardiovascular system – stimulating heart rate, contracting blood vessels, and dilating air passages
19
Q
Cerebral Cortex
A
- Surface layer on the forebrain
- 3mm thick
- Grey in colour and highly folded to make it possible to fit massive amount of material inside of skull
- Is highly developed in humans and is what distinguishes our higher mental functions from those of animals
