Myer's Psychology 3rd edition - Module 10: Nervous and Endocrine system

nervous system

body's speedy, electrochemical communication network. Consists of all nerve cells and peripheral and central nervous systems

Central nervous system (CNS)

consists of the brain and the spinal cord

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Senspry and motor neurons that are connected to the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body

2 Major divisions
Motor Pathway: Signals from brain to muscles/glands
Sensory Pathway: Signals from sensory receptors to the brain

Nerves

bundled axons that form neural cables that connect the Central nervous system to muslces, glands, and sense organs

sensory (afferent) neurons

neurones that carry incoming infomation from body tissues and sensory resecptors to the brain and the spinal cord

motor (efferent) neurons

neurons that cerry outgoing information from the brain and the spinal cord to muscles and glands

interneurons

neurons within the brain and spinal cord that communicate interally and process information between the sensory inputs and the motoroutputs

somatic nervous system

division of the peripheran nervous system that controls the body's skeletal muscles (skeletal nervous system)

autonomic nervous system (ANS)

part of the periphearl nervous system that controls glands and muscles of the internal organs (ex. heart).

sympathetic nervous system

division of autonomic nervous system that arounses body. Emergency response system (Fight, Flight, Freeze)
ex. raising heart rate

parasympathetic nervous system

division of autonomic nervous system that calms the body and conserves energy
ex. decreasing blood sugar, decreasing heart rate

refelex

simple automatic response to sensory stimulus
ex. knee-jerk response

Endocrine system

body's slow chemical commmunication system. Set of glands that emits hormomes into the blood stream

hromones

chemical messangers that are made from the endocrine glands that travel through the blood strem and effect other tissues

Adrenal glands

part of endocrine glands that sit right above the kidneys and emits hromones (epinephrine and norepinephrine) that helps arouse the body when it is under stress

Pituitary gland

endocrine systems most influental gland. Pea sized in the core of the brain controlled by an adjaent brain area (hypothalamus)

fucntion: regualtest stress, growth, reprodution ( somepart of pregnancy and childbirth)

Hypothalamus

brain region that controls the pituitary gland

thyroid gland

Located in the lower neck.

Function: Hormone named thyroxin regulates metabolism growth and appetite

Pineal gland

located in back of the brain

function: hormone melatonin regulates sleep and body rythms

adrenal gland

2 glands on top of the kidney incharge of stress response

function: releases epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline) when poepl are under stress and aids in sympathetic arousal, can increase heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar.

pancreas

Gondads

sex glands including the ovaries and testies

fucntion: regulates sexual hormones, behavior and sex characteristcs

Oxytocin

Hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and regualtes social inteaction and sexual reproduction

Epinephrine

Hormone that is produced durring high stress and exciting situation, physical boosts and heightened awareness. Increases heart rate contracts blookd vessles, dialates airways, increases blood flow to muscles and lungs

cortisol

body main stress Hormone. Works with certain part of brain to control mood, motivation, and fear