2e. Hormones and behaviour

Question 1

Hormones

Answer 1

Chemical messengers secreted by glands in the endocrine system

Question 2

Where do hormones go and what do they do?

Answer 2

• They are directly released into the bloodstream
• They travel to produce reactions in target cells
• When hormone binds to target cell through receptors, it can either increase or decrease function

Question 3

HPA axis

Answer 3

Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal. It is our central stress response system

Question 4

Adrenaline

Answer 4

Hormone responsible for activating sympathetic nervous system to initiate fight or flight response. Also plays a role in emotional memories

Question 5

Cortisol

Answer 5

Hormone that increase amount of glucose in the blood and metabolizes fats and carbs

Question 6

Is norepinephrine a neurotransmitter or hormone?

Answer 6

It can be both. When release by neurons, it’s a neurotransmitter otherwise a hormone if secreted by the gland

Question 7

Path of an action potential in body

Answer 7

• Travels from spinal cord to pre-ganglionic fibers using acetylcholine
• They then move from post-ganglionic fibers to effector organs to produce response

Question 8

Norepinephrine

Answer 8

Increase blood flow in some parts of body (like legs if you’re running away) and decreases blood flow in others (eg. digestive system when you’re fighting). Its function depends on effector’s receptors

Question 9

What are the two types of receptors?

Answer 9

Alpha and beta receptors

Question 10

Alpha receptors on smooth muscle cells

Answer 10

• Blood vessels constrict to decrease blood flow when epinephrine or norepinephrine is released

Question 11

Beta receptors on smooth muscle cells

Answer 11

• Makes blood vessels relax or vasodilate

Question 12

What happens if we stress too much?

Answer 12

• Effective stress system means some systems go into overdrive as other parts are not getting enough blood
• Leads to high BP, digestive problems and suppression of immune system