TEAS Endocrine and Nervous System Flashcards

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts in the endocrine and nervous systems, specifically designed for TEAS exam preparation.

what is the role of the hypothalamus

Links nervous and endocrine systems; controls pituitary via releasing hormones (TRH, CRH, GnRH, GHRH)

what is the Master Gland

Pituitary gland

what hormones does the Anterior Pituitary release

Releases FSH, LH, ACTH, TSH, Prolactin, Growth Hormone

what does ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) do

Increases water reabsorption in kidneys, raises blood pressure

Oxytocin

Stimulates uterine contractions, milk letdown, bonding

T3 and T4

Hormones that increase metabolism

Calcitonin

Lowers blood calcium levels

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Raises blood calcium levels

Cortisol

Stress hormone that increases blood glucose

Aldosterone

Increases sodium and water reabsorption, raises blood pressure

Epinephrine

Hormone that triggers fight-or-flight response

Insulin

Lowers blood glucose levels

Glucagon

Raises blood glucose levels

Pineal Gland Hormone

Releases melatonin

Thymosin

Hormone that helps T-cell maturation

CNS (Central Nervous System)

Composed of the brain and spinal cord

PNS (Peripheral Nervous System)

Includes all nerves outside the CNS

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movement

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary functions

Sympathetic System

Triggers fight-or-flight response

Parasympathetic System

Promotes rest-and-digest functions

Dendrites

Receive signals

Axon

Sends signals away from the cell body

Myelin Sheath

Speeds up nerve impulses

Synapse

Gap between neurons

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers between neurons

Cerebrum Function

Responsible for thinking and reasoning

Cerebellum Function

Responsible for balance and coordination

Brainstem Function

Controls breathing and heart rate

Medulla Function

Regulates vital functions like breathing and heart rate

Pons Function

Involved in sleep regulation

Thalamus Function

Sensory relay center

Hippocampus Function

Involved in memory formation

Reflex Arc

Automatic pathway: stimulus → sensory → interneuron → motor → response

Afferent

Sensory, toward the CNS

Efferent

Motor, away from the CNS

Depolarization

Occurs when Na+ enters the cell

Repolarization

Occurs when K+ exits the cell

Inhibitory Neurotransmitter

GABA

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter involved in reward

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter that affects mood

Acetylcholine

Neurotransmitter used in muscle contraction

Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter that increases alertness

Function of the hypothalamus (brain)

Regulates hunger, temperature, endocrine control