Assignment Question
You are required to complete a series of questions that demonstrate your understanding of the human endocrine and nervous systems. The assignment questions can be found in “Download Assessor Guidance” below. GUIDANCE The images or diagrams that have been taken from published sources must be cited and referenced appropriately. Relevant theory must be referenced, and you must include a references list and bibliography. Word limits for each question have been provided. AC 11.1: Outline the structure and function of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and the autonomic nervous systemAC 11.2: Explain the role of the components of a spinal reflex arcAC 11.3: Explain the propagation of a nerve impulse and synaptic transmissionAC 21.1: Discuss how the major endocrine glands and the hormones they produce regulate body functions through their interaction with target tissuesAC 21.2: Explain how the activities of endocrine glands are regulated 31.1: Discuss the role of the nervous and endocrine systems in temperature regulation, the flight-or-fight response and blood glucose regulation.
Assignment Answer
AC 11.1: Outline the structure and function of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and the autonomic nervous system.
The brain, a complex organ, is the control center of the nervous system (Marieb & Hoehn, 2016). It comprises the cerebrum, responsible for conscious thought, the cerebellum for coordination, and the brainstem for vital functions (Marieb & Hoehn, 2016). The spinal cord, an extension of the brain, facilitates communication between the brain and the body, relaying signals through sensory and motor neurons (Marieb & Hoehn, 2016). Peripheral nerves, emanating from the spinal cord, extend throughout the body, transmitting signals (Marieb & Hoehn, 2016). The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions, with sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions influencing activities such as heart rate and digestion (Marieb & Hoehn, 2016).
AC 11.2: Explain the role of the components of a spinal reflex arc.
A spinal reflex arc is a rapid, involuntary response to a stimulus involving sensory and motor neurons (Martini, Nath, & Bartholomew, 2018). It consists of five components: the receptor, sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron, and effector (Martini et al., 2018). When a stimulus activates the receptor, a sensory neuron transmits the signal to the spinal cord (Martini et al., 2018). Here, the interneuron processes the information, eliciting a quick response via the motor neuron to the effector, such as a muscle (Martini et al., 2018). This reflex arc enables swift reactions, protecting the body from potential harm without involving higher brain functions.
AC 11.3: Explain the propagation of a nerve impulse and synaptic transmission.
Nerve impulse propagation involves the transmission of electrical signals along a neuron (Bear, Connors, & Paradiso, 2016). Resting membrane potential changes when stimulated, allowing sodium ions to enter, generating an action potential (Bear et al., 2016). This signal travels down the neuron through depolarization and repolarization phases (Bear et al., 2016). At synapses, neurotransmitters bridge the gap between neurons (Bear et al., 2016). The presynaptic neuron releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, binding to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, transmitting the signal (Bear et al., 2016). Reuptake or enzymatic breakdown terminates the process, ensuring precise communication between neurons.
AC 21.1: Discuss how the major endocrine glands and the hormones they produce regulate body functions through their interaction with target tissues.
Endocrine glands, such as the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands, release hormones into the bloodstream (Tortora & Derrickson, 2017). These hormones travel to target tissues, influencing various physiological processes (Tortora & Derrickson, 2017). For instance, the thyroid gland produces thyroxine, regulating metabolism (Tortora & Derrickson, 2017). The pituitary gland controls growth through growth hormone (Tortora & Derrickson, 2017). Adrenal glands release cortisol, affecting stress response (Tortora & Derrickson, 2017). These hormones bind to specific receptors on target cells, initiating cellular responses that maintain homeostasis and coordinate intricate bodily functions.
AC 21.2: Explain how the activities of endocrine glands are regulated.
The activities of endocrine glands are intricately regulated to maintain physiological balance. Feedback mechanisms, both negative and positive, play a crucial role (Sherwood, 2017). Negative feedback regulates hormone levels by inhibiting further hormone production when concentrations reach a set point (Sherwood, 2017). Positive feedback amplifies hormone release in response to specific stimuli (Sherwood, 2017). Additionally, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland act as master regulators, sensing changes and orchestrating hormonal responses to maintain equilibrium in the endocrine system.
AC 31.1: Discuss the role of the nervous and endocrine systems in temperature regulation, the flight-or-fight response, and blood glucose regulation.
The nervous and endocrine systems collaborate in temperature regulation by adjusting blood flow and activating sweat glands (Johnson, Standley, & Taylor, 2015). In the flight-or-fight response, the sympathetic nervous system triggers the release of adrenaline from the adrenal glands, preparing the body for a rapid response to stress (Johnson et al., 2015). Blood glucose regulation involves insulin and glucagon from the pancreas (Johnson et al., 2015). Insulin lowers blood glucose by promoting cellular uptake, while glucagon raises levels by stimulating glucose release (Johnson et al., 2015). Together, these systems maintain optimal physiological conditions and adapt to external and internal challenges.
References
Bear, M. F., Connors, B. W., & Paradiso, M. A. (2016). Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Johnson, M., Standley, P. R., & Taylor, D. C. (2015). Physiology of the Nervous System. Academic Press.
Marieb, E. N., & Hoehn, K. (2016). Human Anatomy & Physiology (10th ed.). Pearson.
Martini, F. H., Nath, J. L., & Bartholomew, E. F. (2018). Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology (11th ed.). Pearson.
Sherwood, L. (2017). Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. H. (2017). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (15th ed.). Wiley.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the role of the cerebellum in the brain?
A: The cerebellum is responsible for coordination and fine-tuning of motor movements, ensuring smooth and precise execution.
Q: How does a spinal reflex arc function in responding to stimuli?
A: A spinal reflex arc involves five components, including a receptor, sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron, and effector. It enables rapid, involuntary responses without higher brain involvement.
Q: What is the process of nerve impulse propagation?
A: Nerve impulse propagation involves changes in membrane potential, generating an action potential that travels down the neuron through depolarization and repolarization phases.
Q: How do hormones from endocrine glands regulate body functions?
A: Hormones released by glands like the pituitary and thyroid travel in the bloodstream, binding to receptors on target tissues and initiating cellular responses to regulate physiological processes.
Q: How are endocrine gland activities regulated?
A: Endocrine gland activities are regulated through negative and positive feedback mechanisms, with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland acting as master regulators to maintain hormonal balance.
