3.2.6 hormones and aggression Flashcards
Endocrine system definition
Series of glands that produce and secrete hormones that the body uses for a wide range of functions
Glands definition
Organs of the body that produce a substance that is needed, eg hormones, sweat or saliva
Oxytocin definition
A hormone released by the posterior pituitary gland which has been shown to increase trust between people
Pituitary gland definition
Small organ at the base of the brain, which produces hormones that control the growth and development of the body
Androgen definition
A chemical that develops or maintains male characteristics
What are hormones?
chemical messengers of the body
What can hormones affect?
can affect things such as metabolism and mood as well as reproduction and sexual function
How do hormones differ from neurotransmitters?
travel in the bloodstream at a much slower rate
How do hormones work?
bind to receptor proteins in target cells and change cell function
What could trigger hormone secretion?
other hormones
activity at the neuronal level
environment
stress
How do hormones affect behaviour?
based on when hormones are released and how concentrated they are
What is the link between testosterone and aggression?
much evidence implies higher testosterone causes more aggression, generally accepted that men are more aggressive than women
What is dual hormone hypothesis?
an interaction between the systems responsible for regulating aggression and stress response, following levels of testosterone and cortisol
What is cortisol?
hormone secreted by adrenal glands to protect body against effects of stress
Link between cortisol and aggression
-high levels of testosterone lead to aggression when cortisol is low
-when cortisol is high, testosterone influences on aggression are blocked
