Biological Rhythms - Infradian Rhythms

Question 1

how long is the average menstrual cycle?

Answer 1

28 days

Question 2

what are the key hormones?

Answer 2

oestrogen

progesterone

Question 3

oestrogen’s function

Answer 3

rising levels =

ovaries develop egg
release egg

Question 4

progesterone function

Answer 4

helps womb lining thicken

prep for possible preggers

Question 5

when does menstuation happen?

Answer 5

no pregnancy

egg is absorbed

Question 6

who did research on synchronising menstrual cycles using pheromones?

Answer 6

McClintock (1988)

Question 7

McClintock (1988) - no. ppts

Answer 7

29 women w/ irregular periods

Question 8

McClintock (1988) - findings

Answer 8

68% of women had changes to cycle making it closer to that of their donor

Question 9

What does McClintock (1988) study tell us about the relationship between EZ + EP?

Answer 9

suggests menstrual cycle is endogenous but influenced by exogenous factors

Question 10

examples of exogenous zeitgebers of the menstrual cycle

Answer 10

cycles of other women

stress

nutrition

Question 11

Name the 2 examples of infradian rhythms

Answer 11

Menstrual cycle

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Question 12

name symptoms of SAD

Answer 12

type of depression

low mood + energy (winter blues)

Question 13

SAD - exogenous zeitgeber

Answer 13

light

Question 14

SAD - endogenous pacemaker

Answer 14

pineal gland secretes melatonin until dawn

Question 15

SAD - how does EZ + EP interact to lead to depression symptoms?

Answer 15

Winter

lack of light = pineal gland secretes melatonin for longer

this effect is involved w/ depression