The nervous and endocrine system

• What is the primary internal communication system in the human body?

  Nervous system
• What are the two main functions of the nervous system?

  Collect/process information and coordinate organs
• What are the major subdivisions of the human nervous system?

  • Central nervous system (CNS)
  • Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

  
• What is the role of the central nervous system (CNS)?

  It is the center of all conscious awareness
• How is the brain divided?

  Into two hemispheres
• What is the cerebral cortex?

  Brain's outer layer, highly developed in humans
• What is the function of the spinal cord?

  Transports messages to/from the brain
• What does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) control?

  Vital functions like breathing and heart rate
• What are the two main divisions of the ANS?

  • Sympathetic nervous system
  • Parasympathetic nervous system

  
• How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems work?

  They work in opposition to each other
• What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system?

  Needed for fight or flight response

  
• How does the endocrine system work with the nervous system?

  Controls vital functions by releasing hormones

  
• What happens during the fight or flight response?

  Adrenaline is released for physical arousal
• What triggers the sympathetic nervous system during stress?

  The hypothalamus perceives a stressor

  
• What occurs after the threat has passed?

  The parasympathetic nervous system restores calm
• What is the function of anxiety and fear in survival?

  • Protects against stress and danger
  • Acts as a survival mechanism
• What happens when you hear footsteps approaching in the dark?

  Your sympathetic nervous system activates
• How does the body return to normal after a scare?

  The parasympathetic nervous system takes over