Nervous System, Special Senses, and the Endocrine System: Molecular and Physiological Mechanisms
Overview
This coursework examines the interconnected functions of the nervous system, special senses, and endocrine system through four distinct physiological topics. It analyzes molecular mechanisms of taste perception with stevia, cardiovascular effects of smoking via autonomic nervous system activation, cerebellar contributions to motor learning, and the metabolic consequences of hyperthyroidism.
What this coursework covers
- Molecular Similarity of Stevia to Glucose and the Gustatory Sense: Explores how steviol glycosides mimic glucose structure to activate sweet taste receptors
- Why Smoking Increases the Risk of Heart Disease: Examines sympathetic nervous system stimulation and endothelial damage mechanisms
- Role of Different Regions of the Cerebellum in Learning to Ride a Bike: Describes vestibulocerebellum, spinocerebellum, and cerebrocerebellum functions in motor coordination
- Definition of Hyperthyroidism and Explanation of Weight Loss: Explains thyroid hormone effects on metabolic rate and energy expenditure
Preview
Nervous System, Special Senses, and the Endocrine System
Lelia Settle
Indiana Tech
BIO 1110 - Anatomy and Physiology
Zach Thomas
March 25, 2026
Nervous System, Special Senses, and the Endocrine System
Molecular Similarity of Stevia to Glucose and the Gustatory Sense
Stevia contains steviol glycosides that have a molecular shape very similar to glucose. This similarity allows stevia to bind to the same sweet taste receptors (T1R2 and T1R3) on the tongue that normally detect glucose and other sugars. As a result, the brain perceives stevia as intensely sweet even though it provides almost no calories (Betts et al., 2022). This molecular mimicry enables stevia to activate the gustatory (taste) sense without triggering the same metabolic response as glucose.
Why Smoking Increases the Risk of Heart Disease
Smoking increases heart disease risk through its effects on the autonomic nervous system in two key ways. First, nicotine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine. This leads to increased heart rate, stronger cardiac contractions, and vasoconstriction, which raises blood pressure and forces the heart to work harder. Second, chronic sympathetic activation damages the endothelium of blood vessels and promotes inflammation, accelerating atherosclerosis (Saladin, 2021). These autonomic effects significantly elevate the risk of hypertension, coronary artery disease, and heart attack.
Role of Different Regions of the Cerebellum in Learning to Ride a Bike
Learning to ride a bike is a complex motor skill that requires coordination, balance, timing, and error correction. The cerebellum has three main regions that contribute to this process.