Understanding the Human Coordination Systems: Nervous & Endocrine
The Coordination System: An Overview
The coordination system enables us to detect environmental changes, analyze them, and respond accordingly. This is primarily achieved through two systems:
- The Nervous System: This system facilitates rapid but short-lived responses. It operates through nerve impulses transmitted along nerves.
- The Endocrine System: Composed of endocrine glands, this system produces slower but more enduring responses. It functions via chemical messengers called hormones.
Elements Involved in Coordination
- Receptor: Perceives stimuli and transmits them to nerve centers.
- Nerve Center: Receives information from receptors.
- Effector: Carries out the response. Effectors can trigger two types of responses:
- Motor Response: Muscle contraction.
- Secretory Response: Glandular secretion of substances.
The Nervous System in Detail
The nervous system is responsible for receiving and transmitting signals via nerve impulses. Neurons are interconnected through synapses.
Types of Neurons:
- Sensory Neurons: Carry information from receptors to the central nervous system.
- Motor Neurons: Transmit information from the central nervous system to effectors.
- Association Neurons (Interneurons): Part of the central nervous system.
Glia Cells
Glia cells are interspersed among neurons, providing protection, isolation, and nourishment. Key types include astrocytes and Schwann cells.
Organization of the Nervous System
The nervous system analyzes internal and external stimuli and develops appropriate responses. It can be divided into:
- Central Nervous System: Controls bodily functions and activities. It consists of:
- Brain: Includes the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem.
- Spinal Cord
- Peripheral Nervous System: Transmits signals from receptors to the central nervous system and from the central nervous system to effectors. Based on function:
- Sensory Nerves: Transmit information.
- Motor Nerves: Carry information.
The peripheral nervous system is further divided into the somatic nervous system (voluntary movement) and the autonomic nervous system (basic bodily functions).
The Endocrine System
The endocrine system is another coordination system that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Voluntary Acts
Voluntary acts are conscious and intentional movements.
Reflexes
Reflexes are involuntary and uncontrolled actions.
Mental Health and Neurological Disorders
Infectious Diseases
These diseases can affect the central nervous system.
Obstruction or Rupture
These events can cause neuron death due to lack of blood supply.
Trauma
Injuries can produce lesions in the spinal cord.
Neurodegenerative Diseases
These diseases affect the nervous system, such as:
- Alzheimer’s Disease: Degeneration of neurons in the cerebral cortex.
- Parkinson’s Disease: Deterioration of neurons involved in movement and posture coordination.
Psychiatric Illnesses
- Anxiety: An unpleasant emotional state.
- Inattention and Hyperactivity: Characterized by inattention and impulsivity.
- Depression: A mood disorder.
- Schizophrenia: A brain disorder affecting clear thinking.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Diseases of the Endocrine System
- Diabetes: Prevents the body from properly absorbing sugar.
- Thyroid Diseases: Alterations in thyroid hormone production.
- Dwarfism and Gigantism: Problems with growth hormone production.