2.10-2.11 How Does Your Brain Communicate With Your Body?

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

  • The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.

  • Somatic nervous system

    • Carries sensory information from the body to the CNS.

    • Carries signals from the CNS to the body to start or stop voluntary movement.

  • Autonomic nervous system

    • Automatically regulates the body's internal environment by sending signals back and forth between the glands and internal organs and the CNS.

    • Divisions:

    • Sympathetic nervous system: arouses the body and prepares it for action.

    • Parasympathetic nervous system: calms the body and lets it relax.

The Endocrine System Affects Your Behavior Through Hormones

  • The endocrine system works with the nervous system.

  • The endocrine system includes glands that produce and release hormones, whose effects last from seconds to hours.

  • Endocrine glands include:

    • Pineal gland

    • Adrenal glands

    • Pituitary gland

    • Thyroid

    • Gonads (testes in males or ovaries in females)

  • Hormones travel through the bloodstream to organs and tissues to influence a variety of processes, including sexual development and human growth.

  • Key contrasts and connections:

    • Nervous system signaling is rapid and targeted; endocrine signaling is slower but longer-lasting.

    • Hormones can influence development, growth, metabolism, mood, and stress responses, complementing neural control of behavior.

  • Implications:

    • Proper functioning of the PNS and endocrine system is essential for coordinated movement, internal regulation, development, and behavior.

    • Dysregulation in autonomic function or hormonal signaling can affect physical health and behavior.

Key Terms (p. 77, p. 79)

  • somatic nervous system (p. 77)

  • autonomic nervous system (p. 77)

  • endocrine system (p. 79)

  • hormones (p. 79)

Here are the definitions for the key terms:

  • Somatic nervous system: This system carries sensory information from the body to the Central Nervous System (CNS) and carries signals from the CNS to the body to initiate or cease voluntary movement.

  • Autonomic nervous system: This system automatically regulates the body's internal environment by transmitting signals between glands, internal organs, and the CNS.

  • Endocrine system: This system includes glands that produce and release hormones, with effects lasting from seconds to hours.

  • Hormones: These are substances that travel through the bloodstream to organs and tissues, influencing various processes like sexual development and human growth.