Nervous and Endocrine Systems

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the nervous and endocrine systems, including neuron structures, functions, and the nature vs. nurture debate.

What are the two main parts of the nervous system?

Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

What is the primary function of neurons?

Neurons are nerve cells that send and receive messages.

What are the three basic components of a neuron?

Cell body, dendrites, and axon.

What is myelin?

A fatty white substance that insulates and protects the axon, speeding up transmission of messages.

What is a synapse?

The junction between the axon terminals of one neuron and the dendrites of another.

What role do sensory neurons play?

They carry information received by the senses to the CNS.

What happens when you stub your toe according to neuron communication?

Sensory neurons take the message from the toe to the brain, and motor neurons send messages back to pull the foot away.

What chemicals do neurotransmitters use to send messages across synapses?

Chemicals stored in sacs in the axon terminals.

What is the function of the pituitary gland?

It is the master gland that secretes hormones affecting behavior.

How does the sympathetic nervous system affect the body?

It prepares the body for action, activating the fight or flight response.

What are hormones?

Substances secreted by glands in the endocrine system that affect growth, development, and behavior.

What does the hypothalamus regulate?

Body temperature, hunger, thirst, and aspects of motivation and emotions.

What is the role of the limbic system?

It is involved in memory and learning, emotion, aggression, and behaviors necessary for survival.

What is the difference between the left and right hemispheres of the brain?

The left hemisphere is associated with language and logical reasoning, while the right hemisphere is more involved in creativity and spatial reasoning.

What is heredity?

The transmission of traits from parents to offspring.

What is the debate surrounding nature vs. nurture?

The extent to which genetics (nature) or environmental factors (nurture) influence who we are.

What do twin studies help determine?

The relative influence of genetics and environment on traits.