At a Glance
The nervous and endocrine systems work together to perform important roles in the body.
These communication systems work together to coordinate different physiological functions and maintain homeostasis.
It is the hypothalamus that acts as a bridge between the nervous and endocrine systems.
They’re organized into networks thatallow signals to move between the brain and body.
These networks, composed of about 86 billion neurons,comprise the nervous system.
Together, they form, as the name suggests, the literal center of the bodys communication system.
The brain and spinal cord are vital to human life and function.
Protective barriers surround them, including bone (skull and spine) and membraneous tissue known as meninges.
Additionally, the brain and spine are suspended in cerebrospinal fluid.
The CNS processes every sensation andthoughtthat you experience.
Receptors throughout the body gather sensory information and pass it on to the CNS.
The PNS is further divided into two different systems: thesomatic nervous systemand theautonomic nervous system.
It is composed of sensory (afferent) neurons and motor (efferent) neurons.
The system is also involved in emotional responses such as sweating and crying.
The autonomic nervous system is subdivided into the sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system.
The sympathetic nervous system controlsthe bodys response to an emergency.
Also known as thefight-or-flight response, this system prepares your body to confront danger or avoid it.
The parasympathetic nervous system balances the sympathetic system.
Each works in specialized ways in specific areas.
Although the nervous and endocrine systems are separate systems, they interact in important ways to influence human behavior.
They work in tandem to help people respond to the world around them and to each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not directly, but it interacts with the nervous system in important ways.
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