Exploring the Nervous System Through the Lens of Contemporary Psychology
This survey delves into the intricate structures and functions of the nervous system, encompassing the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The CNS, comprising the brain and spinal cord, connects with sensory and motor neurons, facilitating rapid reflex responses. The PNS further divides into the Somatic and Autonomic systems, managing voluntary and involuntary actions, respectively. The Autonomic system includes the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic divisions, regulating fight or flight responses and rest states. Additionally, we examine the endocrine system's impact through hormones influencing thoughts and behaviors.
Exploring the Nervous System Through the Lens of Contemporary Psychology
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Presentation Transcript
The nervous system From the perspective of contemporary psychology
A survey of the nervous system • Within the broad heading of the NervousSystem we find many component systems and subdivisions • The first are: a) The Central Nervous System – the brain and the spinal cord, and b) The Peripheral Nervous System – bundles of axons connecting the spinal cord and the rest of the body.
The spinal cord • A rope of neural tissue that runs inside the hollows of the vertebrae from just above the pelvis into the base of the skull • Connected to both sensory ( pain, touch, and pleasure)and motor ( contract and relax muscles)neurons • Facilitates reflexes - rapid, involuntary responses to stimulus
the peripheral nervous system Divides into : a) the Somatic Nervous System – nerves which communicate with the skin and muscles and b) the Autonomic Nervous System – nerves which control the involuntary muscles, internal organs (heart, lungs, stomach, etc.) and glands
The autonomic nervous system Two divisions: 1) Sympathetic – prepares your body for action, fight or flight blood flows to muscles epinephrine increases heart rate lungs pull in more oxygen sweat forms for cooling
2) Parasympathetic – returns your body to its resting state, conserves energy heart rate slows epinephrine cut off lungs relax stomach resumes digestion
The endocrine system • A set of glands that produce and release hormones • These hormones influence thoughts, behaviors and actions • Transmitted through the blood • Have a global effect as compared to the local effect of neurotransmitters • Include the hypothalamus and pituitary
Hormones of note • Melatonin – aids sleep, from pineal gland • Oxytocin – the cuddle hormone, from pituitary gland • Cortisol, Epinephrine, etc.– arousing, from adrenal glands • Sex hormones (Testosterone, Estrogen, etc. – differentiate the sexes (and much more), mostly from the gonads