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The Nervous System(s). What it does. Controls & regulates everything a body does Electrical signals sent from brain to the rest of the body and vice versa. The Two S ystems. Central Nervous System (CNS) : the brain and the spinal cord The highway of the body’s transmitted information
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What it does • Controls & regulates everything a body does • Electrical signals sent from brain to the rest of the body and vice versa
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)
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)
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
Neurons • Cells that make up the neural pathways of the nervous system. • They pass electrical signals from one to the next.
Neurons • Signals pass from the axon of one neuron to the dendrites of the next. • The space between two neurons is called the synapse
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
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 dopaminein the long run.
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
Neurotransmitters • Some neurotransmitters also function as hormones in the blood stream
Nervous Endocrine • 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.)