The Peripheral Nervous System and the Endocrine System

The peripheral nervous system The peripheral nervous system transmits messages from the central nervous system to the rest of the body. It has two parts: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. The somatic nervous system transfers sensory messages. It responds to touch, pain, changes in temperature, and changes in body position. The peripheral nervous system

The peripheral nervous system cont. The autonomic nervous system regulates the body’s vital functions, such as heartbeat, breathing, digestion, and blood pressure. These functions occur automatically. It is also divided into two parts: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The peripheral nervous system cont.

The peripheral nervous system cont. The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for action (suppresses digestion, increases the heart rate, and elevates blood pressure). Sympathetic = stressful The parasympathetic nervous system slows the body after an action has occurred. It restores the heart rate and blood pressure to normal. Parasympathetic = peaceful The peripheral nervous system cont.

LO 2.4 Somatic and autonomic AP Subdivisions & functions Menu Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Your Other Communication System The Endocrine System Your Other Communication System

What is the Endocrine System? The endocrine system is a set of glands that produces hormones. It is slower to awaken and slower to shut down than the central nervous system. The most important gland is the pituitary gland because it controls the other endocrine glands. It is nicknamed the “master gland.” The brain tells the pituitary gland to stimulate or inhibit the release of other hormones from other endocrine glands. What is the Endocrine System?

The Pituitary Gland The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It connects to the hypothalamus. Its connection to the brain indicates how closely endocrine and central nervous systems work together. The brain actually monitors the levels of hormones in your bloodstream. It also may be influenced by their levels. For example, hunger is a response to your glucose and insulin levels being low.

Neurotransmitters Click on the picture to find out your neurotransmitter personality and to learn more about neurotransmitters.

Click on the picture to access an endocrine YouTube video.

The Neural Chain The action potential triggers the release of the neurotransmitter from the axon terminals of the sending neuron. It crosses the synapse and locks into receptor sites located on the dendrites of the receiving neuron. Without these receptor cells, your brain would be helpless, unable to detect light, sound, or smell.

Other Endocrine Glands The thyroid secrets thyroxin, a hormone that helps regulate energy levels and metabolism. The adrenal glands release epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline), which stimulate your “fight or flight” response. They also produce cortisol, which helps provides energy to your muscles and brain. The sex glands --- ovaries and testes --- release hormones that influence emotion and physical development. Other Endocrine Glands

Other Endocrine Glands The pancreas controls the level of blood sugar in the body by secreting insulin and glucogon. Too little = diabetes (hyperglycemia), too much= low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) The pineal gland regulates your biological (Circadian) rhythms. It releases melatonin, which adjusts your sleep-wake cycle. Other Endocrine Glands

Your hormone levels are low Your hormone levels are low. Your main symptoms are that you are sluggish, your neck is swollen, and you are craving carbohydrates all the time. Which of your hormone levels is most likely to be off? What is your rationale? Your hormone levels are off. You are angry and tense all the time. You are constantly “on” and are not able to relax. Which of your hormone levels is most likely to be off? What is your rationale? Critical Thinking