Psychology 2.1 - The Nervous System and Endocrine System

adrenal glands

Two glands, located at the top of the kidneys, that help control heart rate, blood pressure, and other important body functions.

autonomic nervous system

The portion of the nervous system that regulates the action of organs and glands. It is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

axon

The long, hairlike extension of a nerve cell (a neuron) that transmits electrical impulses as outgoing messages, outward from the cell body.

central nervous system

The portion of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

dendrites

Branchlike extensions of a neuron that pick up information from neighboring cells and transmit it to the cell body.

electrochemical

Both electrical and chemical. Neuron transmission is electrochemical because there is an electrical process within the neuron, but there is a chemical process that takes place in the synapse, or the gap between neurons.

endocrine system

A system of glands that release hormones into the blood.

endorphins

Neurotransmitters that cause a feeling of well-being.

Hormones

Substances released by the endocrine glands that travel through the blood to influence other glands and organs.

neurons

Nerve cells.

neurotransmitter

A chemical substance that is released by one neuron into the synapse, or the gap between neurons, to influence the functioning of another neuron.

parasympathetic nervous system

The portion of the autonomic nervous system that helps the body recover from the fight-or-flight response, including lowering heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure.

peripheral nervous system

The portion of the nervous system that relays information between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.

pituitary gland

A gland located at the base of the brain. It produces hormones that control other glands and affect metabolism, bone growth, and sexual maturity.

soma

The body of a neuron or other cell.

somatic nervous system

The portion of the peripheral nervous system that carries messages to and from the sense organs, skin, and muscles.

sympathetic nervous system

The portion of the autonomic nervous system that is aroused in response to stress. It is responsible for creating the fight-or-flight response, including raising heart rate and blood pressure and suppressing digestive activity.

synapses

Tiny gaps between neurons, where neurotransmitters pass signals from one neuron to the next.

thyroid gland

An endocrine gland, located in the necks of humans and other vertebrate animals, that secretes hormones controlling metabolism and growth.