Bio: Hormones and Pheromones

Question 1

Endocrine System

Answer 1

The collection of glands and the hormones produced that regulate numerous functions including metabolism, growth, development, and reproduction

Question 2

Hormone

Answer 2

A chemical messenger that is released by a gland directly into the bloodstream which has an effect on behaviour. These travel slower and linger longer than neurotransmitters.

Question 3

Pituitary Gland

Answer 3

The pea-sized master gland in the brain that controls the function of other glands in the endocrine system

Question 4

Adrenal Gland

Answer 4

Two glands located at the top of the kidneys which release hormones primarily related to stress and the body’s fight-or-flight response.

Question 5

Glucocorticoids

Answer 5

Stress hormones that help with the metabolism of glucose. They are released during stress to assist with the “Fight or Flight” response.

Question 6

Cortisol

Answer 6

A stress hormone that is secreted by the adrenal cortex. Responsible for the breakdown of glucose in the fight or flight response. Appears to be linked to hippocampal cell loss and memory dysfunction.

Question 7

HPA Axis

The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis

Answer 7

This triggers the bodies stress response. A signal begins at the hypothalamus, which sends a message to the pituitary gland, which sends a message to the adrenal glands to release cortisol and epinephrine. Once enough cortisol is received in the brain, it shuts down the stress response.

Question 8

Stress

Answer 8

A physical, mental, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension

Question 9

Oxytocin

Answer 9

Secreted by the pituitary gland, oxytocin plays a role in social recognition, pair bonding and maternal attachment. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as the “love hormone”. There is some evidence that oxytocin promotes trust and empathy of in-groups.

Question 10

Pheromones

Answer 10

a chemical substance produced and released into the environment by an animal affecting the behavior or physiology of others of its own species.

Question 11

Primer pheromones

Answer 11

Pheromones that cause slow, long-term physiological changes

Question 12

Signalling pheromones

Answer 12

Pheromones that produce rapid behavioral effects (like mating)

Question 13

Hormones SAQ Intro

Answer 13

Introduction:

• Hormones are chemicals released by glands in the endocrine system which circulate in the bloodstream and act as messengers affecting particular cells and organs.
• The endocrine system is a system comprised of glands, which secrete hormones into the bloodstream to affect behaviour.
• From there, the hormones are sent to target cells by impulses which initiate specific responses.
• The human body contains various hormones which relate to specific emotions and carry out different responses and actions in the body.
• Some hormones produced by the body are adrenaline and cortisol from the adrenals; melatonin, from the pineal gland; oxytocin from the pituitary gland and hypothalamus and testosterone and oestrogen from the gonads (testes/ovaries).
• Hormones have widespread effects on both physiology and psychology in humans and thus behaviour.
• Hormones enter directly into the bloodstream so thus they take longer to produce changes in behaviour that neurotransmitters, but they also linger longer