What are the sections of the nervous system?
central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
What are the 2 parts of the central nervous system?
brain spinal cord
What are the parts of the peripheral nervous system?
Somatic Automatic, sympathetic, parasympathetic
What is the somatic nervous system?
· Interacts with the external environment- Afferent nerves carry sensory signals from the external environment (skin, eyes, ears, etc) to the CNS- Efferent nerves carry motor signals from the CNS to the muscles
What is the autonomic nervous system?
· Regulates the internal environment- Afferent nerves carry sensory signals from internal organs to the CNS- Efferent nerves carry motor signals from the CNS to internal organs- Controls basic life functions (heartbeat, response to stress)
What is the symapthetic nervous system?
· The SNS mobilises the body's resources in emergency situations· Activation of the SNS causes:- Release of adrenaline from adrenal glands- Pupil dilation- Increased heart rate and breathing rate- Decreased digestion- Reduced blood in the extremities
What is the parasympathetic nervous system?
· The PNS conserves and maintains the body's resources· Actions are often in opposition to the SNS- Slow heart rate- Reduced blood pressure· Functions include:- Regulating blood-sugar levels- Secreting saliva and eliminating waste
Outline the main roles of the spinal cord?
· Relays signals from the senses to the brain· Relays signals from the brain to the muscles· Directs reflexes
What are the 4 main divisions of the brain?
- Cerebral cortex: thin outer layer of the cerebrum- Forebrain: subcortical structures- Mid brain- Hindbrain
What is the main function of the cerebral cortex?
voluntary movement and cognition (learning, problem solving)
What are the 4 lobes of the cerebral cortex?
frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital
What are the divisions of the forebrain?
Thalamusseptum hippocampus amygdala
What is the role of the mid brain?
· Basic auditory and visual functions, movement, and arousal, helps orient body movement towards visual and auditory stimuli
What is a pons?
- Respiration, movement, sleep, wake
What is the role of the cerebellum?
- Sensorimotor and some basic cognitive functions
What is the role of the medulla?
- Connects spinal cord to the brain- Heartbeat, circulation
what is the role of the reticular formation?
- Basic survival mechanisms
define the endocrine system
· The endocrine system is a collection of glands that release hormones into the blood stream
what are hormones involved in?
· Hormones are involved in a variety of important functions, including: metabolic rate, arousal levels, sugar levels
What hormones are released by the pituitary gland?
- Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)- Growth hormone (GH)
What does the thyroid gland do?
- Controls and coordinates metabolic rate
What does the adrenal gland do?
- Releases stress hormones (adrenaline, cortisol)
What does the pancreas gland do?
- Secretes several hormones including insulin and glucagon
What does the gonad gland do?
- Secondary sex characteristics and sex drive