nervous + endocrine sys - lecture1

What is the difference between the nervous and endocrine system? Provide their effect, the duration of the effect and their mode of communication

Nervous sys

• rapid

• Short-lived responses (around milliseconds)

• Action potentials and neurotransmitters between neurons

Endocrine sys

• slower

• Longer-lasting (minutes to years)

• Sends chemical messengers (hormones) in the bloodstream through feedback loops

What does the central nervous system consist of?

Brain and spinal cord

What does the peripheral nervous system consist of? Include the nerves and functional divisions

• 12 pairs of cranial nerves

• 31 pairs of spinal nerves

• Afferent/sensory and efferent/motor divisions

What are the four major structures in the brain

• cerebrum

• Diencephalon

• Brainstem

• Cerebellum

The cerebral cortex is apart of the cerebrum. What matter does it consist and what is its major function? (2 marks)

• grey matter

• Site of conscious thought, sensory perception, etc

What is difference between gyri and sulci in the cerebral cortex and what is its purpose?

• gyri = elevations/hills

• Sulci = grooves

• Greatly increases SA

Describe the sensory (ascending) conscious control pathway

Receptor → sensory neuron → spinal cord (ascending tract) → brainstem → thalamus → cerebral cortex

Describe a reflex

Involuntary, rapid, predictable, stereotyped

What are the five components of a reflex arc?

1. Receptor

2. Sensory neuron

3. Integration centre (within spinal cord/brainstem)

4. Motor neuron

5. Effector

What is the difference between somatic and autonomic reflexes

• somatic includes skeletal muscle

• Autonomic includes smooth muscle, cardiac muscle and glands

How does the nervous system differ from endocrine with their speed of action

• nervous - milliseconds

• Endocrine - seconds to days

How does the nervous system differ from endocrine With signalling modality

• nervous - electrochemical

• Endocrine - chemical only (hormones)

How does the nervous system differ from endocrine With their target range & specificity

• nervous - specific

• Endocrine - general + widespread

What is the typical duration for nervous and endocrine control in the human body

• nervous - shorter-lasting

• Endocrine - longer-lasting