Content Category 3A: Structure and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems and ways in which these systems coordinate the organ systems

The nervous and endocrine systems work together to detect external and internal signals, transmit and integrate information, and maintain homeostasis. They do all of this by producing appropriate responses to internal and external cues and stressors. The integration of these systems both with one another, and with the other organ systems, ultimately results in the successful and adaptive behaviors that allow for the propagation of the species.

Animals have evolved a nervous system that senses and processes internal and external information that is used to facilitate and enhance survival, growth, and reproduction. The nervous system interfaces with sensory and internal body systems to coordinate physiological and behavioral responses ranging from simple movements and small metabolic changes to long-distance migrations and social interactions. The physiological processes for nerve signal generation and propagation involve specialized membranes with associated proteins that respond to ligands and/or electrical field changes, signaling molecules and, by extension, the establishment and replenishment of ionic electrochemical gradients requiring ATP.

The endocrine system of animals has evolved to produce chemical signals that function internally to regulate stress responses, reproduction, development, energy metabolism, growth, and various individual and interactive behaviors. The integrated contributions of the nervous and endocrine systems to bodily functions are exemplified by the process whereby the signaling of neurons regulates hormone release, and by the targeting of membrane or nuclear receptors on neurons by circulating hormones.

The content in this category covers the structure, function, and basic aspects of nervous and endocrine systems, and their integration. The structure and function of nerve cells is also included in this category.

• Major Functions
  • High level control and integration of body systems
  • Adaptive capability to external influences
  • Feedback loop, reflex arc
  • Role of spinal cord and supraspinal circuits
  • Ch. 7 The Nervous System and Neuronal Excitability, pp. 191-193
  • Ch. 10 Autonomic and Somatic Nervous Systems
  • Ch. 4 The Structure and Function of the Plasma Membrane, pp. 158-167
  • Cell body: site of nucleus, organelles
  • Dendrites: branched extensions of cell body
  • Axon: structure and function
  • Myelin sheath, Schwann cells, insulation of axon
  • Nodes of Ranvier: propagation of nerve impulse along axon
  • Synapse: site of impulse propagation between cells
  • Synaptic activity: transmitter molecules
  • Resting potential: electrochemical gradient
  • Action potential
    • Threshold, all-or-none
    • Sodium/potassium pump
    • 35.1 Neurons and Glial Cell
    • Ch. 7 The Nervous System and Neuronal Excitability, pp. 193-223
    • Ch. 4 The Structure and Function of the Plasma Membrane, pp. 118-119, 158-167
    • Gated ion channels
      • Voltage gated
      • Ligand gated
      • Ch. 13 Membrane Channels and Pumps, pp. 403-431
      • Ch. 14 Signal-Transduction Pathways, pp. 437-459
      • Ch. 12 Membrane Structure and Function, pp. 231-239
      • Ch. 13 Signal-Transduction Pathways, pp. 245-261
      • 9.1 Signaling Molecules and Cellular Receptors
      • 9.2 Propagation of the Signal
      • Ch. 13 Biochemical Signaling, pp. 402-441
      • Ch. 6 Cell Signaling, pp. 169-185
      • Ch. 7 The Nervous System and Neuronal Excitability, pp. 201-202
      • Ch. 4 The Structure and Function of the Plasma Membrane, pp. 143-151
      • Ch. 15 Cell Signaling and Cell Transduction: Communication Between Cells pp. 582-598
      • Description; structure
        • Steroids
        • Terpenes and terpenoids
        • Ch. 26 The Biosynthesis of Membrane Lipids and Steroids, pp. 858-882
        • Ch. 29 Lipid Synthesis: Storage Lipids, Phospholipids and Cholesterol, pp. 577-601
        • 3.3 Lipids
        • Ch. 9 Lipids and Biological Membranes, pp. 245-292
        • Ch. 2 Chemical Composition of the Body, pp. 40-45
        • Ch. 2 The Chemical Basis of Life, pp. 46-49
        • Function of endocrine system: specific chemical control at cell, tissue, and organ level
        • Definitions of endocrine gland, hormone
        • Major endocrine glands: names, locations, products
        • Major types of hormones
        • Neuroendrocrinology ― relation between neurons and hormonal systems
        • 37.1 Types of Hormones
        • 37.2 How Hormones Work
        • 37.5 Endocrine Glands
        • Ch. 13 The Endocrine System, pp. 448-456
        • Cellular mechanisms of hormone action
        • Transport of hormones: blood supply
        • Specificity of hormones: target tissue
        • Integration with nervous system: feedback control regulation by second messengers
        • 37.3 Regulation of Body Processes
        • Ch. 22 Mammalian Fuel Metabolism: Integration and Regulation: Section 2. Hormonal Control of Fuel Metabolism, pp. 781-785
        • Ch. 13 The Endocrine System, pp. 448-456
        • Ch. 15 Cell Signaling and Cell Transduction: Communication Between Cells, pp. 583-586, 599-602