Understanding the Nervous System and Endocrine System

1. Know the synapsePass the pen • https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o9p2ou1IyC0

2. Key TermsAdd these to your diagram.Any you don’t know – look up for Prep • Neuron • Synapse • Synaptic Transmission • Action Potential • Depolarisation • Hyperpolarisation • Electrical impulse • Chemical message • Inhibitive Post Synaptic Potential • Excitatory Post Synaptic Potential

3. The nervous system and the endocrine system Pages 226-227 Mask Book Pages 114-115 GHG 4.2.2 - Biopsychology Oxf TB 255-265 Specification details The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic and autonomic). The function of the endocrine system: glands and hormones. The fight or flight response including the role of adrenaline.

4. The nervous system • Biopsychologists assume that behaviour and experiences are caused by activity in the nervous system • The nervous system is a specialised network of cells in the human body and is our primary internal communication system • It has two main functions: • To collect, process and respond to information in the environment • To co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells

5. The central nervous system (CNS) The CNS is made up of the brain and the spinal cord • The brain is the centre of all conscious awareness. The brain’s outer layer, the cerebral cortex, is highly developed in humans • The brain is divided in twohemispheres • The spinal cord is an extension of the brain. It is responsible for reflex actions The CNS passes messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the PNS

6. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) The PNS transmits messages via millions of neurons (nerve cells), to and from the central nervous system The PNS is further sub-divided into: • the somatic nervous system (SNS) • the autonomic nervous system (ANS)

7. The somatic nervous system This is the part of the PNS that is responsible for carrying sensory and motor information to and from the spinal cord

8. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) This governs vital functions in the body such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, sexual arousal and stress responses

9. The two main divisions of the ANS The two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system are: • The sympathetic nervous system • The parasympathetic nervous system Their actions are mostly antagonistic - that is they usefully work in opposition to each other

10. Human nervous system Peripheral nervous system (PNS) Central nervous system (CNS) Autonomic nervous system Somatic nervous system Brain Spinal cord Sympathetic nervous system Parasympathetic nervous system The major sub-divisions of the human nervous system

11. Human nervous system Peripheral nervous system (PNS) Central nervous system (CNS) Autonomic nervous system Somatic nervous system Brain Spinal cord Sympathetic nervous system Parasympathetic nervous system The major sub-divisions of the human nervous system

12. The opposing actions of the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous system

13. The nervous system and the endocrine system Pages 226-227 Mask Book Pages 114-115 GHG 4.2.2 - Biopsychology Oxf TB 255-265 Specification details The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic and autonomic). The function of the endocrine system: glands and hormones. The fight or flight response including the role of adrenaline.

14. Generally, maintains and conserves body energy and functions Generally prepares the body to expend energy for fight or flight

15. Fight or flight response • Anxiety and fear are actually important for survival because they act as a mechanism to protect the body against stress and danger. • The sympathetic nervous systemcontrols what has been called the "Fight or Flight" phenomenon because of its control over the necessary bodily changes needed when we are faced with a situation where we may need to defend ourselves or escape. 

16. Imagine… • You are walking down a dark street at night by yourself.  Suddenly you hear what you suspect are footsteps approaching you rapidly.  • What happens?   • Your sympathetic nervous system kicks in and in an instant, your body is prepares itself for either defence or escape.

17. When the ‘threat’ has passed… • Now imagine that the footsteps belong to a good friend who catches up to you and offers to walk you home.  You feel relief instantly, but your body takes longer to adjust.  • In order to return everything to normal, the parasympathetic nervous systemkicks in.  • This system is slow acting, unlike its counterpart, and may take several minutes or even longer to get your body back to where it was before the scare.

18. The constant shifting between these two systems keeps your body ready for your current situation.

19. Complete worksheet 4.9

20. Multiple choice exam questionstimed conditions

21. Can you? • Outline the role of the central nervous system (4 marks) • Identify two divisions of the autonomic nervous system (2 marks) • Identify the two components of the central nervous system (2 marks) • Outline the role of the somatic nervous system (4 marks each) • Outline the role of the autonomic nervous system (4 marks each) • Using an example, outline the function of the endocrine system in the human body (4 marks) • Answer the ‘Check it’ questions on page 115 GHG

22. The nervous system and the endocrine system Pages 226-227 Mask Book Pages 114-115 GHG 4.2.2 - Biopsychology Oxf TB 255-265 Specification details The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic and autonomic). The function of the endocrine system: glands and hormones. The fight or flight response including the role of adrenaline.

23. What is it? Stress is the body’s response to threatening (real or perceived) environmental conditions. Stressors things that cause both psychological and physical changes, like an exam!

24. Another definition of Stress A state of psychological tension and physiological arousal produced by a stressor Refers to the lack of fit between the perceived demandsof the situation and the person’s ability to cope Complete part one on the worksheet. Ms R Kitchen 2005

25. Nervous System Peripheral Nervous System Central Nervous System Brain & Spinal Cord Somatic Nervous System Operates nerves attached to bone AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM Muscles not attached to bone (heart, stomach, Diaphragm) Involuntary – happens without thinking PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM KEY SECTIONS FOR STRESS Ms R Kitchen 2005

26. Ms R Kitchen 2005

27. The Endocrine System • The endocrine system is in charge of body processes that happen slowly, such as cell growth. • Faster processes like breathing and body movement are controlled by the nervous system. • However, even though the nervous system and endocrine system are separate systems, they often work together to help the body function properly.

28. This controls the release of hormones from all other endocrine glands These release adrenalin directly into the bloodstream which prepares the body for fight or flight by constricting blood vessels in the stomach. This inhibits digestion and gives you that sick feeling as well as increasing your heart rate This facilitates the release of the female hormones – oestrogen and progesterone This facilitates the release of the male hormones – testosterone

29. The Stress Reaction Aerobics Stressor H.P.A. S.A.M. HYPOTHALAMUS Releases Activates the CRF Hormone Sympathetic branch of the Autonomic Nervous System Signals to the Pituitary Gland Adrenal Gland To release ACTH Adrenal Cortex Activates fight or flight response Adrenal Medulla releases Adrenaline and Noradrenaline Increases Heart rate Blood Pressure Pupil Size Breathing Muscle Activity Corticosteroids into the blood Decreases Digestion Saliva production Size of Blood vessels Suppress Immune System Convert fat & protein into sugar Energy ready for fight or flight Ms R Kitchen 2005

30. Chronic Vs Acute stress • On your worksheet, fill in the gaps. Then : • List responses are produced by the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPA) • List responses are produced by the Sympathetic-Adrenomedullary Axis (S.A.M.) • Stretch and Challenge – exam style questions

31. Summary questions • Billy is an A level student. He has been asked by his teacher to give a short presentation to the other psychology students in his class. Just before his presentation, Billy feels his mouth go dry and he starts to sweat. After the presentation has ended, Billy feels his breathing slow down and he begins to feel thirsty. • Use your knowledge of the autonomic nervous system to explain Billy’s behaviour before and after the presentation.

32. Possible answer Billy feels stressed about giving a presentation to the class and this activates sympathetic responses in his autonomic nervous system. Blood is diverted to the muscles for energy and as a result, Billy sweatsto allow heat energy to be lost from the surface of the skin. It is the body’s cooling mechanism. His salivary glands have inhibited saliva production making his mouth go dry. Once the presentation is over, Billy’s stress is no longer present and his parasympathetic nervous system is now acting to restore his bodily functions to a normal state; this is why his breathing is slowing down. He feels thirsty as his previously inhibited saliva production has dried his mouth out and now he is aware of this and this needs rectifying

33. Stretch and ChallengeExtension Material from here onwards So is all stress the same? Theorists suggest that there are different types of stress: • Frustration stress – pursuit of some goal is thwarted • Conflict stress – two or more motivations or behavioural impulses are competing for expression • Change stress – even positive changes are still changes • Pressure stress – expectations or demands to behave in a certain way

34. Do we experience it in the same way? • Cognitive appraisal theory would say that “stress lies in the eye of the beholder” • Primary appraisal – initial evaluation 1) irrelevant? 2) relevant but not a threat? 3) stressful? • Secondary appraisal – evaluation of coping resources and options • Stress is therefore subjective – interpretation of an event is important; it will only be seen as stressful if it is first perceived as a threat and the person does not have the resources to cope • Factors that influence this will include gender, culture, personality and biology • TASK: Consider and discuss your own experiences of flying in an airplane

35. Why is stress a problem? • Stress is certainly a very useful adaptive mechanism that promotes survival in the animal kingdom • In our human world however, with such different stressors, there are many potential negative consequences: • Direct physiological effects - elevated blood pressure, weakened immune system, increased hormonal activity, psychophysiological conditions • Harmful behaviours – smoking, alcohol, drugs, poor nutrition, less sleep • Indirect health-related problems – decreased compliance, delayed care seeking

36. Why is it important to study it? • As well as preventing the associated negative health consequences for the individual it has important implications for society: • It costs the country millions of pounds a year in days off work and stress related illnesses • It contributes to countless broken marriages, arguments and neglected children

37. Half Term Prep • Complete the Key Concepts worksheet. • Complete your glossary of words • Ensure that your file is up to date