1. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM(S)

2. What it does Controls & regulates everything a body does Electrical signals sent from brain to the rest of the body and vice versa

3. The Two Systems Central Nervous System (CNS): the brain and the spinal cord The highway of the body’s transmitted information Spinal cord contained inside your vertebrae (for protection)

4. The Two Systems Peripheral nervous system (PNS): carries information throughout the rest of the body To and from organs (like skin), and tissues (like muscle)

5. Voluntary & Involuntary Activities Somatic: part of peripheral nervous system that controls skeletal muscles, Ex.: movement, like throwing a ball Autonomic: part of peripheral nervous system that controls internal biological functions Ex.: breathing, digestion, heart beat, etc. Also controls the body’s response to emergencies

6. Neurons Cells that make up the neural pathways of the nervous system. They pass electrical signals from one to the next.

7. Neurons Signals pass from the axon of one neuron to the dendrites of the next. The space between two neurons is called the synapse

8. Synapse: Mind the Gap Neurotransmitters: chemicals “messengers” sent across the synapse to pass the electrical impulse from one neuron to the next Out-of-balance neurotransmitter levels often lead to prolonged emotional/psychological problems Some neurotransmitters also function as hormones in the blood stream

9. Synapse: Mind the Gap Endorphins: weakens feelings of pain, makes you feel good. Dopamine: involved in reward-based learning. Chemical dependency on drugs like cocaine is often because they help the body release dopamine. Illegal drugs tend to hurt the body’s ability naturally release healthy levels of dopamine in the long run.

10. Unlocking your Neurotransmitters Endorphins: extended exercise, spicy foods, feelings of love, sexual stimulation. Dopamine: brain exercises, solving puzzles, Sudoku, Serotonin (low levels impacts depression): eat a banana, carb-rich “comfort food” in moderation

11. Neurotransmitters Some neurotransmitters also function as hormones in the blood stream

12. NervousEndocrine Messages sent quickly, through nerves Effects dissipate quickly Messages are slower, sent via bloodstream Effects linger longer (leave you feeling amped up, in a funk, etc.)