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Module 1.3a

This feedback system (brain ‡ pituitary ‡ other glands ‡ hormones ‡ body and brain)
reveals the intimate connections between the nervous and endocrine systems. The nervous
system directs endocrine secretions, which then affect the nervous system. Conducting and CLOSE & ASSESS
coordinating this whole electrochemical orchestra is that flexible maestro we call the brain.
Exit Activity
(20 minutes) Ask students to engage
®
AP Science Practice Check Your Understanding in a snowstorm activity as follows.
Examine the Concept Apply the Concept Have each student write down the
▶ ▶Explain the relationship between the nervous and endocrine ▶ ▶Compare and contrast the nervous and endocrine systems. most important thing they learned in
systems. ▶ ▶Do you remember feeling the lingering effects of a hormonal Module 1.3a on a piece of paper and
response, such as anger, after some particularly aggravating
event? Describe how it felt. How long did it last? wad it up. Signal them to throw their
Answers to the Examine the Concept questions can be found in Appendix C at the end of the book. paper “snowballs” in the air. Then
have each student pick up a nearby
snowball and read it aloud. Take the
Module 1.3a REVIEW opportunity to summarize and review
the module, and point out any themes
Distributed by Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Not for redistribution.
1.3-1 What are neurons, and how do they transmit • If incoming signals are strong enough, the receiving neu-
information? ron generates its own action potential and relays the mes- that emerge.
sage to other cells.
• Neurons are the elementary components of the nervous sys-
tem, the body’s speedy electrochemical information system. 1.3-3 How do neurotransmitters influence behavior,
• A neuron consists of a cell body and its branching fibers. and how do drugs and other chemicals affect CLOSE & ASSESS
It receives signals through its often bushy, branching den- neurotransmission?
drites and sends signals through its axons. • Neurotransmitters travel along designated pathways in the Exit Assessment
• Some axons are encased in a myelin sheath, which enables brain and may influence specific behaviors and emotions. (10 minutes) Have students complete
faster transmission. • Acetylcholine (ACh) affects muscle action, learning, and Exit Tickets at the end of this part to
• Glial cells support, nourish, and protect neurons and also memory. assess understanding of the following
play a role in learning, thinking, and memory. • Endorphins are natural opioids released by the body in re-
• If the combined signals received by a neuron exceed a sponse to pain and exercise. concepts:
minimum threshold, the neuron fires, transmitting an
electrical impulse (the action potential) down its axon by • Drugs and other chemicals affect brain chemistry at synapses. • The anatomy of the neuron
means of a chemistry-to-electricity process. • Agonists increase a neurotransmitter’s action, and may do • Action potential
so in various ways.
• Neurons need a short rest called the refractory period, after
which they can fire again. The neuron’s reaction is an • Antagonists decrease a neurotransmitter’s action by block- • Neurotransmitters
ing its production or release.
all-or-none response. Copyright © Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. • Agonists and antagonists
1.3-2 How do nerve cells communicate with other 1.3-4 How does the endocrine system transmit • Hormones
nerve cells? information and interact with the nervous system?
For each concept, students should
• The endocrine system secretes hormones into the blood-
• When action potentials reach the end of an axon (the stream, where they travel throughout the body, enabling respond to the following prompts:
button-like axon terminals), they stimulate the release them to affect other tissues, including the brain.
of neurotransmitters. These chemical messengers carry a • What I know about _______.
message from the sending neuron across a synapse to re- • In an intricate feedback system, the brain’s hypothala-
ceptor sites on a receiving neuron. mus influences the endocrine system’s pituitary gland, • Questions I still have about _______.
which influences other glands, which release hormones,
• The sending neuron, in a process called reuptake, then which in turn influence the brain.
normally reabsorbs the excess neurotransmitter mole- Bonus: You can have students
cules in the synaptic gap. complete these tickets individually
or in pairs. Consider asking them to
The Neuron and Neural Firing: Neural Communication and the Endocrine System Module 1.3a 37 complete the ticket after each relevant
Learning Target. Remember: Many of
the concepts in this part are difficult
and complex, so you will likely need to
03_myersAPpsychology4e_28116_ch01_002_163.indd 37 15/12/23 9:21 AM
review some of the material after this
activity.

The Neuron and Neural Firing: Neural Communication and the Endocrine System Module 1.3a 37

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