Structure of Nervous System
What are the two main parts of the nervous system?
The central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).
What is the main function of the nervous system?
To send and receive messages around the body.
What is the main function of the endocrine system?
To produce and release hormones that control body processes.
What does homeostasis mean?
Maintaining a stable internal environment in the body.
What is the largest organ in the human body?
The skin
What are the two main organs that make up the central nervous system (CNS)?
The brain and spinal cord.
Which part of the body detects changes in the environment and sends signals to the nervous system?
Receptors (sense organs).
What are the chemical messengers released by glands in the endocrine system called?
Hormones
Give one example of a condition the body keeps stable through homeostasis.
Body temperature, blood sugar, or water levels.
Which body system is responsible for moving blood around the body?
The circulatory system.
What is the role of nerves in the peripheral nervous system?
They carry messages between the CNS and the rest of the body.
What type of neuron carries messages from the sense organs to the CNS?
Sensory neurons
Which gland is often called the “master gland” because it controls other glands?
The pituitary gland.
Which organ system helps control homeostasis by sending electrical signals quickly around the body?
The nervous system.
Which body system helps you breathe and take in oxygen?
The respiratory system.
What is the long bundle of nerve tissue that connects the brain to the body called?
The spinal cord.
What is a reflex action?
A fast, automatic response to a stimulus.
Which gland produces insulin to help control blood sugar levels?
The pancreas.
Which system uses hormones to help maintain homeostasis over longer periods of time?
The endocrine system.
Which body system breaks down food into nutrients the body can use?
The digestive system
Name the three main types of neurons in the nervous system.
Sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons.
Explain what happens when a person touches something hot.
Receptors in the skin detect heat, sensory neurons send a message to the spinal cord, relay neurons pass the message on, motor neurons send a signal to the muscles, and the muscles pull the hand away quickly.
A person is suddenly frightened by a loud noise. Which gland releases adrenaline to prepare the body for action?
The adrenal glands.
Describe what happens in the body when your temperature rises too high.
The brain detects the change and sends signals to the skin; sweat glands produce sweat and blood vessels widen (vasodilation) so heat is lost, bringing body temperature back to normal.
Explain how the respiratory and circulatory systems work together in the body.
The respiratory system brings oxygen into the lungs, where it moves into the blood. The circulatory system then transports oxygen around the body to cells and carries carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled.