The Nervous System Overview

Nervous System Overview

• Comprises specialized cells (neurons and glia) for information communication regarding surroundings and internal states.
• Divided into two main categories: Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
• CNS includes the brain and spinal cord.
• PNS consists of cranial and spinal nerves, connecting sensory neurons to the CNS.

Peripheral Nervous System Functions

• Sensory (Afferent) Division:
  • Involves somatic and visceral sensory nerves.
• Motor (Efferent) Division:
  • Contains motor nerve fibers for response actions.
  • Further divided into:
    • Sympathetic Division: Activates "fight or flight" responses.
    • Parasympathetic Division: Manages "rest and digest" activities.

Central Nervous System Regulation

• Important for central regulation functions, including:
  • Feed intake regulation:
    • Ventromedial area: Satiety center, prevents overeating.
    • Lateral area: Feeding center, motivates appetite.
  • Preoptic area: Regulates body temperature.

Endocrine System Overview

• Composed of specialized organs and tissues producing, storing, and secreting hormones.
• Endocrinology: Branch of physiology focusing on body tissue coordination via chemical mediators.

Hormone Functions and Classifications

• Hormones play crucial roles in:
  • Body growth and development.
  • Control of various tissue functions.
  • Support of pregnancy and reproductive activities.
  • Metabolism regulation (catabolism and anabolism).
• Hormone classifications include:
  • Simple proteins
  • Glycoproteins
  • Steroids

Major Endocrine Glands

• Key glands include:
  • Hypothalamus
  • Pituitary gland
  • Thyroid and parathyroid glands
  • Adrenal glands
  • Pineal body
  • Reproductive glands (ovaries and testes)
• The pancreas is also part of the endocrine system despite its primary digestive functions.