Nervous System and Endocrine System Overview (PNS, ANS, Brain, Pituitary)

A set of Q&A style flashcards covering the peripheral nervous system, autonomic nervous system (including sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions), endocrine system (notably the pituitary), and key brain structures (brain stem, thalamus, reticular formation, and major brain regions).

What does the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) consist of according to the notes?

Sensory and motor neurons that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.

What is the Somatic system responsible for?

Voluntary skeletal muscle control; connects brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

What is the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and what does it control?

Controls glands and internal organs (involuntary functions).

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

Sympathetic nervous system and Parasympathetic nervous system.

What does the Endocrine System do?

Transmits hormones through glands into the bloodstream and interacts with other body systems.

Which gland is referred to as the master gland that influences hormone release by other glands?

The pituitary gland.

Approximately how many neurons are in the human brain?

About 86 billion neurons.

Which part of the brain is described as the oldest and innermost region?

The brain stem.

What is the function of the thalamus as described in the notes?

Central control center for sensory information.

What is the reticular formation?

A network of neurons in the brainstem involved in arousal and attention.

How is the brain often described in terms of major regions (as per the notes)?

Forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.

What is a key role of the brain stem besides being the oldest region?

Supports basic life functions (serves as the core brain region).

What hormone-related role does the pituitary gland play?

It influences hormone release by other glands.

What does the notes imply about endocrine interactions with the brain and body?

The endocrine system transmits and interacts with other bodily systems through hormones.

What are the general functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS?

Sympathetic prepares the body for action (fight or flight); Parasympathetic promotes rest and digestion.