Neuroscience and Endocrine System: Key Concepts and Functions

What makes up the CNS?

Brain and spinal cord

What is the function of the brain?

Processes and integrates information

What is the function of the spinal cord?

Communication highway between brain and body

What are the 4 main functions of the nervous system?

Coordinates responses, integrates sensory info, sends motor commands, maintains homeostasis

What does the somatic nervous system control?

Skeletal muscle (voluntary + involuntary spinal reflexes)

What does the autonomic nervous system control?

Cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, glands (automatic, no conscious thought)

What is the sympathetic nervous system responsible for?

"Fight or flight" response

What is the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for?

"Rest and digest" functions

What are the parts of a neuron?

Cell body, dendrites, axon, myelin sheath

What is the function of neuroglia (glial cells)?

Support, nourish, and protect neurons

What happens at a synapse?

Action potential triggers neurotransmitter release into synaptic cleft

What is the role of acetylcholine?

Muscle activation

What is the role of dopamine?

Reward and movement

What is the role of serotonin?

Mood regulation

What is the role of norepinephrine?

Alertness

What is the role of GABA?

Inhibition

What are the 3 types of neurons?

Sensory (afferent), motor (efferent), interneurons

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Inflammation that breaks down myelin sheaths

What are the 4 major brain divisions?

Cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, diencephalon

What does the limbic system regulate?

Emotions, memory, homeostasis

What are the functions of the cerebrum?

Higher thought, sensory processing, movement, language

What are the functions of the cerebellum?

Coordinates muscle movement and balance

What is the function of the brainstem?

Controls involuntary functions

What is the role of the hypothalamus?

Homeostasis and drives

What are the 5 special senses?

Vision, hearing, balance, taste, smell

What is the function of the outer ear?

Collects and funnels sound waves

What is the function of the middle ear?

Amplifies vibrations

What is the function of the inner ear?

Converts vibrations to nerve signals

How can hearing loss be reduced at venues?

Wear earplugs, limit exposure time

What do semicircular canals detect?

Rotational movement

What do utricle and saccule detect?

Linear acceleration and gravity

What do rods in the eye detect?

Dim light

What do cones in the eye detect?

Color

What is Cushing's syndrome?

Excess cortisol leading to weight gain and hypertension

What is Addison's disease?

Insufficient cortisol/aldosterone leading to low blood pressure

What is gigantism/acromegaly?

Excess growth hormone

What is dwarfism?

Insufficient growth hormone during childhood

What are endocrine disruptors?

Chemicals that interfere with natural hormones