Homeostasis.
Most of us remember this word for it's vital role in the human body, while some of us remember this hardcore vocabulary word from high school biology class. As we all know, homeostasis is the method in which our body creates equilibrium for itself (in order to function properly). To create homeostasis in the body, the Nervous System and Endocrine System work together (Nervous System maintains short term behaviors, while Endocrine maintains long term behaviors) and regulate the body's functions.
First off, I'll briefly describe the relationship between the Nervous System and Endocrine System.
Although the Nervous System and Endocrine System do not directly correlate with each other, they work together in a subtle manner. For example, during exercise, blood flows up to your brain, and this plentiful supply of fresh blood and oxygen then allows your brain to send a signal to the Endocrine system and therefore causing neurotransmitters, like endorphins, to be released into the blood stream, making you feel good!
So what are the "bridges between the Nervous System and Endocrine System"?
As I mentioned before, Homeostasis is one of the bridges, in the way that it works with the Nervous system in its entirety (Central, Peripheral, etc) and Endocrine system. Both of these systems work back to back in order to maintain the body's equilibrium, reproduction process and development. Another bridge is the Hypothalamus (add that word to your list of cool science-y words). The Hypothalamus is a small, but mighty portion of the brain. This section of the brain connects the two systems by "dictate[ing] the body's response to external stimuli" (wiseGEEK). Also, the role the Hypothalamus plays is so vital in the Endocrine system, because most of the Endocrine System is governed by this small section of the brain!
Describing the relationship between the Endocrine and Nervous systems is a bit difficult because all of their functions happens right under our noses. But probably one of our first experiences with the Endocrine and Nervous systems comes from early in our childhood. And I mean, early, early childhood -- infant-hood! When a baby sucks on their mother's nipple, sensory signals are sent to the hypothalamus, which then prompts for the release of oxytocin into the bloodstream. The oxytocin then heads to the mammary glands in the breast of the mother, releasing the milk for the baby. Complex, subtle and vital -- the Endocrine and Nervous systems are constantly at work, from our beginning to end!
Sources:
"What Is the Connection between the Endocrine System and Nervous System?" WiseGEEK. Web. 20 Apr. 2015. <http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-the-connection-between-the-endocrine-system-and-nervous-system.htm>.
Web. 20 Apr. 2015. <http://www.organsofthebody.com/images/hypothelamas.jpg>.
"Main Frame in AnPhystemplate." Main Frame in AnPhystemplate. Web. 20 Apr. 2015. <http://academics.smcvt.edu/dfacey/animalphysiology/Communication/answers.htm>.
Most of us remember this word for it's vital role in the human body, while some of us remember this hardcore vocabulary word from high school biology class. As we all know, homeostasis is the method in which our body creates equilibrium for itself (in order to function properly). To create homeostasis in the body, the Nervous System and Endocrine System work together (Nervous System maintains short term behaviors, while Endocrine maintains long term behaviors) and regulate the body's functions.
First off, I'll briefly describe the relationship between the Nervous System and Endocrine System.
Although the Nervous System and Endocrine System do not directly correlate with each other, they work together in a subtle manner. For example, during exercise, blood flows up to your brain, and this plentiful supply of fresh blood and oxygen then allows your brain to send a signal to the Endocrine system and therefore causing neurotransmitters, like endorphins, to be released into the blood stream, making you feel good!
So what are the "bridges between the Nervous System and Endocrine System"?
As I mentioned before, Homeostasis is one of the bridges, in the way that it works with the Nervous system in its entirety (Central, Peripheral, etc) and Endocrine system. Both of these systems work back to back in order to maintain the body's equilibrium, reproduction process and development. Another bridge is the Hypothalamus (add that word to your list of cool science-y words). The Hypothalamus is a small, but mighty portion of the brain. This section of the brain connects the two systems by "dictate[ing] the body's response to external stimuli" (wiseGEEK). Also, the role the Hypothalamus plays is so vital in the Endocrine system, because most of the Endocrine System is governed by this small section of the brain!
Describing the relationship between the Endocrine and Nervous systems is a bit difficult because all of their functions happens right under our noses. But probably one of our first experiences with the Endocrine and Nervous systems comes from early in our childhood. And I mean, early, early childhood -- infant-hood! When a baby sucks on their mother's nipple, sensory signals are sent to the hypothalamus, which then prompts for the release of oxytocin into the bloodstream. The oxytocin then heads to the mammary glands in the breast of the mother, releasing the milk for the baby. Complex, subtle and vital -- the Endocrine and Nervous systems are constantly at work, from our beginning to end!
Sources:
"What Is the Connection between the Endocrine System and Nervous System?" WiseGEEK. Web. 20 Apr. 2015. <http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-the-connection-between-the-endocrine-system-and-nervous-system.htm>.
Web. 20 Apr. 2015. <http://www.organsofthebody.com/images/hypothelamas.jpg>.
"Main Frame in AnPhystemplate." Main Frame in AnPhystemplate. Web. 20 Apr. 2015. <http://academics.smcvt.edu/dfacey/animalphysiology/Communication/answers.htm>.