Peripheral Nervous System, Autonomic Nervous System, and Endocrine System Review

Flashcards covering CNS/PNS, SNS/ANS, autonomic arousal, and endocrine system concepts from the notes.

What does the peripheral nervous system (PNS) include?

Neurons and nerve processes outside the CNS.

What encases the brain?

The skull.

What encases the spinal cord?

The vertebrae.

What are the two main divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?

Sympathetic and Parasympathetic.

What does the somatic nervous system (SNS) control?

Sensory connections to receptors in the skin and motor connections to body muscles.

What does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) control?

Sensory and motor connections to internal body organs.

What is the function of the somatic nervous system?

Controls voluntary behavior.

What is the function of the autonomic nervous system?

Controls automatic functions such as heart rate and digestion.

What is the role of the sympathetic division?

Fight or flight.

What is the role of the parasympathetic division?

Quiets the body and conserves energy.

During autonomic arousal, which division speeds up automatic functions?

The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.

What is the sympathetic nervous system’s primary role in emergencies?

To mobilize the body's resources and trigger the fight-or-flight response.

What does the parasympathetic nervous system do to conserve energy?

Conserves bodily resources to save and store energy.

Which system exerts control over behavior along with the nervous system?

The endocrine system.

What are hormones?

Chemicals secreted by glands.

How do hormones travel to their target organs?

Through the bloodstream.

How do hormones compare to nerve impulses in speed and duration?

Slower to travel and longer lasting.

How are endocrine hormones secreted by glands?

In pulsatile bursts several times per day.

What describes negative feedback in the endocrine system?

Hormone levels rise then stop secretion when a level threshold is reached, regulated by the hypothalamus or other glands.

Which gland is often called the master gland?

The pituitary gland.

What connects the hypothalamus to the pituitary?

A peduncle; the hypothalamus regulates the pituitary and is involved in emotions, temperature, hunger, and thirst.

What hormones are released by the posterior pituitary?

Oxytocin and vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone).

What hormones are released by the anterior pituitary?

Growth hormone (somatotrophin), thyrotrophin (TSH), adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH), and gonadotrophin.

What condition results from too much growth hormone late in growth?

Acromegaly.

What hormone does the thyroid gland secrete and what is required for its production?

Thyroxin (thyroxine); iodine.

What are common signs of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)?

Apathy, sluggishness, weight gain, cold intolerance.

What are common signs of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)?

Weight loss, insomnia, tremor, heat intolerance, irritability.

What condition can result from iodine deficiency?

Goitre.

What is cretinism?

Mental retardation, underdeveloped sex organs, rough yellow facial features due to iodine deficiency.

What is myxedema?

A condition associated with severe hypothyroidism.

What are the four parathyroid glands responsible for regulating?

Calcium and potassium levels.

What hormone is secreted by the parathyroid glands?

Parathormone.

What are symptoms of parathyroid underactivity?

Neuromuscular hyperactivity, confusion, depression, and hallucinations.

What are symptoms of parathyroid overactivity?

Brittle bones, anxiety, irritability, confusion, and depression.

What hormones does the pancreas’ Islands of Langerhans secrete?

Insulin and glucagon.

How do insulin and glucagon regulate sugar metabolism?

They regulate blood sugar antagonistically.

What happens when blood sugar is not properly regulated (glycosuria)?

Dehydration and accumulation of waste products, potentially leading to serious symptoms.

What hormones does the adrenal cortex secrete?

Adrenocortical hormones (steroids).

What roles do adrenal cortex hormones play?

Involved in the stress response; regulate carbohydrate and salt metabolism; control inflammatory response.

What conditions are associated with adrenal cortex hyperfunction?

Cushing's syndrome and adrenogenital syndrome.

What condition results from adrenal cortex hypofunction?

Addison's disease.

What hormones are produced by the adrenal medulla?

Adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine).

What hormones do the ovaries secrete?

Estrogen and progesterone (and small amounts of androgens).

What controls the ovaries?

Gonadotrophin secreted by the pituitary.

What do ovarian hormones influence?

Physical development, reproductive organs, and sexual behaviour.

What do the testes influence?

Physical development, reproductive organs, and male sexual behavior.

What is the function of the pineal gland?

Helps regulate body rhythms and sleep cycles.

What does the pituitary gland influence?

Growth and lactation; also regulates the activity of other glands.

What does the thyroid gland regulate?

The rate of metabolism in the body.

What roles do the adrenal glands play?

Secrete hormones that arouse the body, help with stress, regulate salt balance, and affect sexual functioning.

What hormone does the pancreas release to regulate blood sugar and hunger?

Insulin (with glucagon as the antagonistic partner).

What hormone do the testes secrete and what does it influence?

Testosterone; influences male physical development and sexual function.

What hormones do the ovaries secrete and what do they influence?

Estrogen and progesterone; influence female sexual development and function.