The Nervous and Endocrine Systems and the Sensory and Motor Neurons

Psychology /Nursing
Nervous System
CBB062
Dr. Felix Ikie
TASK 1: AC. 1.1-ANSWER
Diagram 1: The annotated flowchart that depicts parts of the nervous system
Flight-or-flight response in the nervous and endocrine systems
The nervous and endocrine systems work in coordination during the flight-or-flight response. Different parts of the nervous system execute specific functions. When an imminent threat or danger is perceived, the sympathetic nerve fiber activates the autonomic nervous system (ANS) (Hau et al., .2020). The activation triggers the endocrine system to release the adrenaline hormone that is responsible for the fight-or-flight response. The primary function of adrenalin is to activate a rapid response. The adrenaline glands secrete adrenalin, which together with non-adrenaline prepares the body's defense mechanism to deal with the imminent threat (Kandel & Schwartz, 2012). Adrenaline triggers a sudden decline in blood pressure, abrupt emotional change, and a decline in blood glucose. The flight-or-flight response manifests through an abrupt increase in heart rate, anxiety, high perspiration, body tremor, and glycogenolysis.
The breakdown in glycogen by the liver releases the energy that the body needs to execute a flight-or-flight response. The endocrine and nervous systems collectively control hormonal responses that activate increased corticotrophin and cortisol release that cause a prolonged flight-and-flight response (Estomih et al., 2012). Besides the increased release of cortisol and adrenal cortex, the flight-or-flight response can also trigger the secretion of high levels of glucagon and catecholamine by islet cells (pancreas) and adrenal medulla respectively. The fight-or-flight response activates the alpha-adrenergic receptors to constrict blood vessels, uterine muscles and may dilate the eye pupils (McCraty et al., 2017). However, the activation of beta-receptors causes a sudden increase in heart rate that triggers cardiac constriction. Still, the response dilates the bronchi and blood vessels.
The flight-or-flight response happens in different situations such as when a driver slams on the car breaks to avoid an accident. The second example is when a person suddenly encounters a growling dog. Similarly, when a walking person almost steps on a snake, the immediate response is a flight-or-flight response. The immediate reaction is to take off and run away from the dog. The fight-or-flight response activates the adrenal glands to secrete large quantities of epinephrine (adrenaline) which increases the heart rate, cardiac output, muscle constriction among other nervous system responses (Hau et al., .2020). In response, the endocrine system releases cortisol and adrenal cortex, glucagon, increased secretion of epinephrine.
TASK 2: AC.2.1
* The structure and features of a neuron
Diagram 1: Annotated diagram of a neuron
Source: (Nervous System, 2020).
A typical neuron comprises the nucleus, dendrites, cell body, axon, myelin sheath, the node of Ranvier, axon terminal, and the Schwann cell. The structure of the neuron enables it to transmit and receive electrical throughout the body (Nervous System, 2020). Neurons work together with glial cells that provide protection and insula...