nervous system Flashcards
(22 cards)
key feature of nervous system
specialised network of cells which has 2 functions:
1. collect, process and respond to info in the environment
2. coordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body
structure of central nervous system
brain and spinal cord
what is the brain in the CNS
centre of all conscious awareness. cerebral cortex is highly developed which distinguishes our higher functioning from animals
what is the spine in the CNS
extension of the brain, responsible for reflex actions.
passes info to and from the brain and connects nerves to PNS
what does the PNS do
transmits messages to and from the nervous system.
what are the sub divisions of PNS
- autonomic nervous system
- somatic nervous system
what does the autonomic NS do
governs vital functions in the body such as breathing, heart rate, sexual arousal and digestion
what does the somatic NS do
controls muscle movement and receives info from sensory receptors
how does the endocrine system work
works alongside the NS to control viral functions in the body through the release of hormones.
much more slower
the master gland
pituitary gland
what does the pituitary gland do
controls the release of all hormones in other endocrine glands
what does the pineal gland secrete
melatonin
= influences sleep cycle
what does the thyroid gland secrete
thyroxine
= influences metabolism
what does the adrenal gland secrete
adrenaline, cortisol
= stress response
what does the pancreas secrete
insulin
= influences blood sugar control
what do ovaries secrete
oestrogen
= influence female characteristics
what do testes secrete
testosterone
= influences male characteristics
which 2 parts work together for the fight or flight response
endocrine system and the autonomic nervous system
step 1 of fight or flight
when a stressor is perceived, the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the ANS.
ANS changes from its relaxed state (PARASYMPATHETIC) to the physiologically aroused sympathetic
step 2 of flight or fight
the stress hormone adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream
step 3 of fight or flight
adrenaline triggers physiological changes : increased heart rate…
final step or fight or flight
once threat has passed parasympathetic returns the body to its rest state
