Biopsychology: ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

• What are the main functions of the nervous system?

  Collect, process, and respond to information
• What are the two divisions of the nervous system?

  CNS and PNS
• What is the structure of the CNS?

  It consists of the brain and spinal cord
• What is the role of the brain in the nervous system?

  It is the center of all conscious awareness
• What distinguishes the cerebral cortex from other brain areas?

  It is highly developed for higher mental functions
• What is the function of the spinal cord?

  Responsible for reflex actions and message transmission
• How does the PNS function in the nervous system?

  It transmits messages via neurons to and from the CNS
• What are the two subdivisions of the PNS?

  ANS and SNS
• What does the ANS govern?

  Vital functions like breathing and heart rate
• What is the role of the SNS?

  Controls muscle movement and receives sensory info
• What are the components of the human nervous system?

  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
  • Central Nervous System (CNS)
  • Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
  • Somatic Nervous System (SNS)
• What is the major endocrine gland?

  Pituitary gland
• Why is the pituitary gland called the master gland?

  It controls hormone release from other glands
• How do hormones affect the body?

  They affect any cell with a specific receptor
• What is the function of thyroxine?

  It affects heart cells and metabolic rates
• How do the endocrine system and ANS work together?

  • They coordinate responses to stress
  • Example: Fight or flight response
  • Hypothalamus triggers sympathetic ANS activity
• What happens when a stressor is perceived?

  The hypothalamus triggers sympathetic ANS activity
• What is the stress hormone released during stress?

  Adrenaline
• What physiological changes does adrenaline trigger?

  Increased heart rate and dilated pupils
• What are the effects of the sympathetic state?

  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased breathing rate
  • Dilated pupils
  • Inhibited digestion
  • Inhibited salivation
  • Contracted rectum
• What are the effects of the parasympathetic state?

  • Decreased heart rate
  • Decreased breathing rate
  • Constricted pupils
  • Stimulated digestion
  • Stimulated salivation
  • Relaxed rectum
• How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic states differ in their effects on the body?

  Sympathetic state increases activity, parasympathetic decreases