Neuroscience and Endocrine System: CNS, PNS, ANS, Glands, and Neurotransmitters

What makes up the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

Brain and spinal cord.

What is the main role of the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

Processes/interprets sensory info, decides responses, controls all voluntary and involuntary actions.

What makes up the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

All nerves outside CNS, including somatic and autonomic divisions.

What is the main role of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

Links body to CNS, carries sensory info in and motor commands out to muscles/glands.

What makes up the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?

Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

What is the main role of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?

Controls involuntary functions and maintains homeostasis.

What is the main role of the Sympathetic nervous system?

Activates 'fight or flight' response.

Give an example of the Sympathetic nervous system in action.

Heart races when car swerves.

What is the main role of the Parasympathetic nervous system?

'Rest & digest' - calms body and conserves energy.

Give an example of the Parasympathetic nervous system in action.

Slows heart rate after stress.

Name the three major endocrine glands.

Pituitary, Thyroid, Adrenal.

What is the key function of the Pituitary gland?

Master gland that controls growth and other glands.

What is the key function of the Thyroid gland?

Regulates metabolism.

What is the key function of the Adrenal gland?

Releases epinephrine/norepinephrine for stress response.

What is the function of Serotonin?

Regulates mood, sleep, appetite.

What happens if there is too little Serotonin?

Leads to depression, anxiety, sleep issues.

What happens if there is too much Serotonin?

Causes agitation and nausea.

What is the function of Norepinephrine?

Regulates alertness, focus, and stress/arousal.

What happens if there is too little Norepinephrine?

Results in low energy and poor focus.

What happens if there is too much Norepinephrine?

Causes anxiety and high blood pressure.

What is the function of Dopamine?

Involves reward, motivation, movement, and learning.

What happens if there is too little Dopamine?

Leads to Parkinson's disease.

What happens if there is too much Dopamine?

Can cause hallucinations.

What is the function of Endorphins?

Act as natural painkillers and boost pleasure.

What happens if there are too few Endorphins?

Increases pain sensitivity and bad mood.

What happens if there are too many Endorphins?

Can lead to risky behavior due to ignoring pain.

What is an Agonist?

Mimics or boosts a neurotransmitter's action.

Give an example of an Agonist.

Morphine, which mimics endorphin action.

What is an Antagonist?

Blocks or reduces a neurotransmitter's action.

Give an example of an Antagonist.

Naloxone, which blocks opioids.