The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) and the Endocrine System

Somatic nervous system (SNS)

brings sensory input back from the CNS for further processing & dictates commands for voluntary movement to the muscles using information from the CNS

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

controls the actions of glands and organs—is made up of the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric systems

Sympathetic nervous system

stimulates "fight or flight" responses and prepares the body for any actions that require energy

Parasympathetic nervous system

directs the storage of energy & maintains the calm in internal organs & glands (store nutrients, repair body, etc... to bring body to baseline levels)

Enteric nervous system

The nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract that is in contact with the endocrine system to ensure that chemical messengers that are crucial to digestion are released

Endocrine system

made up of glands that release hormones into the blood

How is the endocrine system connected to the nervous system

Responds to input from the nervous system, especially the hypothalamus. Is involved with arousal, sex, metabolism, and growth

Pituitary gland

Also known as the "master gland", receives input from the hypothalamus and releases hormones that activates other glands

Oxytocin and vasopressin

hormones released from the pituitary gland which participate in several vital physical functions & are involved in the development of trust, recognition of emotions, and resilience during stress