Module 10

Nervous system

The Chemical Mind

The Nervous System

3 Different Types of Neurons Sensory (afferent) neuron- send information from the body’s tissues and sensory organs inward to the brain and spinal cord, which process information. (We have a few million) Inter-neurons- enable internal communication within the central nervous system (Billions and Billions) Motor (efferent) neurons- sends instructions to the body’s tissues (A few million)

You don’t believe me?

A Simplified Neural Network Neurons that learn to work together as a team.

The Major Endocrine Glands

The Endocrine System Endocrine system- the body’s “slow” chemical communication system Hormones- chemical messengers, which originate in one tissue and travel through the bloodstream and affect other tissues, including the brain.

Hormones vs. Neurotransmitters Some hormones are chemically identical to neurotransmitters– but are much slower. Several seconds or more elapse before the bloodstream can carry a hormone from an endocrine gland to its target tissue. Hormones influence growth, reproduction, metabolism, mood— they keep everything in balance while we respond to stress, exertion, and our own thoughts.

Adrenal Glands In Danger…the autonomic nervous system orders the adrenal glands (on top of the kidneys) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine which increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar—providing us with a surge of energy. Also called epinephrine=adrenaline and norepinephrine=nonadrenaline Used to treat cardiac arrest

Epi…. Pen https://www.bloomberg.co m/news/articles/2015-09- 23/how-marketing-turned- the-epipen-into-a-billion- dollar-business

Who’s thinking??? Epinephrine is a hormone? And a neurotransmitter? Yes.

Pituitary Gland The most influential endocrine gland is the pituitary gland—a pea sized structure in the base of the brain, controlled by the hypothalamus. The pituitary releases growth hormones and its secretions also influence the release of hormones by other glands.