Biopsychology - nervous/endorcrine system and the function of neurons

The nervous system

The nervous system aims to co-ordinate cells and organs, and to collect, process and respond to information in the environment.

It consists of two primary systems - the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system.

The central nervous system consists of the spinal cord (extension of the brain, responsible for reflex actions) and the brain (divided into two hemispheres and surrounded by cerebral cortex).

The peripheral nervous system consists of the autonomic nervous system (operates involuntarily, transmits information to/from bodily organs, governs vital functions) and the somatic nervous system (transmits information from receptor cells to CNS and controls muscle movement).

The autonomic system also consists of the parasympathetic (resting) nervous system and the sympathetic (psysiologically aroused) nervous system.

When a stressor is percieved, the hypothalamus triggers the sympathetic nervous system. Adreneline is also released from the adrenal medulla (the physiological arousal nessecary for the fight-or-flight response). 

There are numerous physiological changes associated with the sympathetic state, for example:

• Increased heart/breathing rate
• Dilated pupils
• Inhibited saliva production/digestion

To progress into a resting state, the parasympathetic nervous system acts as an antagonist; reducing activities of the body.

The endocrine system

The endocrine system works alongside the nervous system to…