KEY CONCEPTS:

Neurons - carry signals or impulses.

Nerve impulse - electrochemical signal moving along a neuron.
Synapse - space between neurons
Stimulus - any factor in the environment that influences behavior.
Response - reaction to a condition or stimulus.(An organism must be able to
respond to a stimulus in order to survive.)
Reaction time - length of time between application of a stimulus and detection of a
response
When a receptor such as an organ perceives a stimulus, the impulse is sent
to the brain by the sensory neurons, which then transmit information from
one nerve cell to another. As the message reaches the brain, it processes
the information and commands an effector such as a muscle or an organ to
respond. The message coming from the brain is sent through the motor
neurons.
Hormones chemicals that secreted by the glands of endocrine system
that controls various body processes.
This control system usually brings about slow changes in the body because
chemical messengers move more slowly than nerve impulses.
The major glands in the body are the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid,
thymus, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries, and testes.
Hormones regulate & balance the functioning or organs; impacts growth &
appearance; determines whether or not people develop disorders.
Hormonal imbalance - An increase or decrease in hormonal levels
Pituitary gland - controls the functions of both the testes and the ovaries.
2 Main Divisions of Nervous Systems: Central Nervous System (CNS) and
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
The Central Nervous System (CNS) - main processing center. 2 Main Parts:
Brain & Spinal Cord.
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) contains all nerves that extend outside the
brain and spinal cord. It has two main divisions, which are the Somatic Nervous
System and the Autonomic Nervous System.
 The basic unit of the nervous system is the nerve cell. Nerve cells are called neurons.
Neurons have dendrites and axons that aid in transmitting message.

Neurons have the special ability to carry signals or impulses. A nerve impulse is an
electrochemical gradient moving along a neuron. The space between neurons is called
synapse. A stimulus is any factor in the environment that may induce a nerve impulse that
initiates physiological and behavioural changes. A response is a reaction to a condition or
stimulus. To survive, an organism must be able to respond to a stimulus. Reaction time is
the length of time between application of a stimulus and detection of a response.

When a receptor such as an organ perceives a stimulus, the impulse is sent to the brain by
the sensory neurons, transmitting information from one nerve cell to another. As the
message reaches the brain, it processes the information and commands an effector such
as a muscle or an organ to respond. The message coming from the brain is sent through
the motor neurons.

The Endocrine System consists of glands that secrete chemicals called hormones which
control various body processes. This control system usually brings about slow changes in
the body because chemical messengers move more slowly than nerve impulses. The
major glands in the body are the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, adrenal, pancreas,
ovaries and testis.

Hormones affect various processes in the body as they regulate and balance the
functioning of organs, tissues, and cells. Hormones greatly influence growth,
appearance, emotions, and reproductive functions. These chemicals play an essential
role in the occurrence of disorders such as diabetes, thyroid disease, growth and/or
sexual dysfunction. Hormones act in very small amounts. An increase or decrease in
the said amount may result in a body disorder due to hormonal imbalance.
 The Reproductive System is a collection of organs in an organism that function together
for sexual reproduction. The male reproductive organs are the penis, the testicles, the
epididymis, the vas deferens, and the prostate gland. The female reproductive organs
are the vagina, uterus (womb), Fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

Hormones play an important role in both male and female reproductive systems. The
pituitary gland controls the functions of both the testes and the ovaries. These hormones
keep the reproductive system properly functioning.

Hormones secreted by the ovaries and a small gland in the brain called the pituitary
gland control the menstrual cycle.

Feedback mechanism is the process through which the level of one substance
influences the level of another substance. A negative feedback affects the production
of hormones in the menstrual cycle. High levels of one hormone may inhibit the
production of another hormone.

Homeostasis is the state reached when each part of the body functions in equilibrium
with other parts. This is attained through the regulation of the bodily functions by the
endocrine and nervous systems.