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Psychology

4 Dec 2025

211

12 pages

Understanding the Nervous System and Endocrine System Functions

A

ameerah @ameerah_iuyauxibtnph

Your body has an incredible internal communication network that controls everything from your heartbeat to how you react... Show more

Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic

Divisions of the Nervous System

Think of your nervous system as your body's personal internet - it's constantly sending messages to keep everything running smoothly. This specialised network has two main jobs collecting information from your environment and coordinating all your organs and cells.

The system splits into two major parts. The central nervous system (CNS) includes your brain and spinal cord - basically your body's control centre. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is like the wiring that connects everything else to this control centre.

Your brain is where all conscious awareness happens, and its outer layer (the cerebral cortex) is what makes humans special compared to other animals. Meanwhile, your spinal cord handles those lightning-fast reflex actions and acts as the main highway for messages travelling between your brain and the rest of your body.

Quick Tip Remember CNS = Central brain+spinalcordbrain + spinal cord and PNS = Peripheral (everything else connecting to the centre).

Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic

The Peripheral Nervous System Breakdown

The peripheral nervous system has millions of neurons constantly chatting between your CNS and the rest of your body. It's divided into two clever subsystems that handle different types of tasks.

The somatic nervous system (SNS) is all about voluntary movement and sensing the world around you. When you decide to pick up your phone or feel something hot, that's your SNS in action - it controls muscle movement and receives information from your sensory receptors.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) runs on autopilot, managing vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and digestion. You don't have to think about making your heart beat or telling your stomach to digest lunch - the ANS handles all that behind the scenes.

Remember Somatic = voluntary actions you control; Autonomic = automatic functions you don't think about.

Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic

Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic Systems

The autonomic nervous system has two modes that work like opposite switches in your body. Understanding these will help you make sense of how your body responds to different situations.

The sympathetic nervous system is your body's alarm system - it kicks in when you need to react quickly to danger or stress. It increases your heart rate, makes you breathe faster, dilates your pupils, and even stops digestion so all your energy can focus on the threat. This is your classic fight or flight response.

The parasympathetic nervous system is your body's chill-out mode. Once the danger passes, it decreases your heart rate, slows your breathing, constricts your pupils, and gets your digestion working again. It's all about returning you to that calm, resting state where your body can repair and maintain itself.

Easy Memory Trick Sympathetic = stressed and speedy; Parasympathetic = peaceful and resting.

Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic

The Endocrine System Basics

While your nervous system sends electrical messages super quickly, your body has another communication network that's more like sending chemical letters through the post. The endocrine system uses glands to release hormones into your bloodstream, creating powerful effects throughout your body.

Glands are special organs that produce and release hormones, whilst hormones are chemical messengers that travel through your blood to reach specific target organs. Even though hormones work more slowly than nerve impulses, they pack a serious punch and their effects can last much longer.

Key players in this system include the hypothalamus (which links your nervous and endocrine systems), the adrenal gland (famous for releasing adrenaline), and the pineal gland whichhelpscontrolyoursleepwakecyclewhich helps control your sleep-wake cycle.

Think of it this way Nervous system = instant text messages; Endocrine system = powerful emails that have lasting impact.

Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic
Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic
Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic
Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic
Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic
Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Psychology

211

4 Dec 2025

12 pages

Understanding the Nervous System and Endocrine System Functions

A

ameerah

@ameerah_iuyauxibtnph

Your body has an incredible internal communication network that controls everything from your heartbeat to how you react in stressful situations. Understanding the nervous system and endocrine system will help you grasp how your brain coordinates with the rest of... Show more

Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Divisions of the Nervous System

Think of your nervous system as your body's personal internet - it's constantly sending messages to keep everything running smoothly. This specialised network has two main jobs: collecting information from your environment and coordinating all your organs and cells.

The system splits into two major parts. The central nervous system (CNS) includes your brain and spinal cord - basically your body's control centre. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is like the wiring that connects everything else to this control centre.

Your brain is where all conscious awareness happens, and its outer layer (the cerebral cortex) is what makes humans special compared to other animals. Meanwhile, your spinal cord handles those lightning-fast reflex actions and acts as the main highway for messages travelling between your brain and the rest of your body.

Quick Tip: Remember CNS = Central brain+spinalcordbrain + spinal cord and PNS = Peripheral (everything else connecting to the centre).

Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Peripheral Nervous System Breakdown

The peripheral nervous system has millions of neurons constantly chatting between your CNS and the rest of your body. It's divided into two clever subsystems that handle different types of tasks.

The somatic nervous system (SNS) is all about voluntary movement and sensing the world around you. When you decide to pick up your phone or feel something hot, that's your SNS in action - it controls muscle movement and receives information from your sensory receptors.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) runs on autopilot, managing vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and digestion. You don't have to think about making your heart beat or telling your stomach to digest lunch - the ANS handles all that behind the scenes.

Remember: Somatic = voluntary actions you control; Autonomic = automatic functions you don't think about.

Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic Systems

The autonomic nervous system has two modes that work like opposite switches in your body. Understanding these will help you make sense of how your body responds to different situations.

The sympathetic nervous system is your body's alarm system - it kicks in when you need to react quickly to danger or stress. It increases your heart rate, makes you breathe faster, dilates your pupils, and even stops digestion so all your energy can focus on the threat. This is your classic fight or flight response.

The parasympathetic nervous system is your body's chill-out mode. Once the danger passes, it decreases your heart rate, slows your breathing, constricts your pupils, and gets your digestion working again. It's all about returning you to that calm, resting state where your body can repair and maintain itself.

Easy Memory Trick: Sympathetic = stressed and speedy; Parasympathetic = peaceful and resting.

Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Endocrine System Basics

While your nervous system sends electrical messages super quickly, your body has another communication network that's more like sending chemical letters through the post. The endocrine system uses glands to release hormones into your bloodstream, creating powerful effects throughout your body.

Glands are special organs that produce and release hormones, whilst hormones are chemical messengers that travel through your blood to reach specific target organs. Even though hormones work more slowly than nerve impulses, they pack a serious punch and their effects can last much longer.

Key players in this system include the hypothalamus (which links your nervous and endocrine systems), the adrenal gland (famous for releasing adrenaline), and the pineal gland whichhelpscontrolyoursleepwakecyclewhich helps control your sleep-wake cycle.

Think of it this way: Nervous system = instant text messages; Endocrine system = powerful emails that have lasting impact.

Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Biopsychology: divisions of
the nervous system The specification says:
The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

3

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content in Psychology

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user