biopsychology: endocrine system

Question 1

what is the endocrine system?

Answer 1

a collection of glands that produce hormones that regulate growth, reproduction, sleep and more

Question 2

what is a gland?

Answer 2

body organ that releases hormones into the bloodstream

Question 3

what is a hormone?

Answer 3

chemical released from endocrine system into blood stream that acts on target structures to alter their function or realise other hormones

Question 4

what is the hypothalamus?

Answer 4

it is connected to the pituitary gland and controls the realise of hormones

Question 5

adrenal
hormone released and effect on behaviour

Answer 5

adrenaline
stimulates fight or flight response

Question 6

testes
hormone released and effect on behaviour

Answer 6

testosterone
stimulates production of male sex characteristics

Question 7

ovaries
hormone released and effect on behaviour

Answer 7

oestrogen
stimulates the release of female sex cells and regulation of menstrual cycle

Question 8

the nervous system and endocrine system working together: fight or flight

Answer 8

• a person enters a dangerous situation
• the hypothalamus receives distress signal
• the hypothalamus activates the SAM (Sympathomedullary pathway)
• sympathetic nervous system stimulates adrenal medulla
• adrenal medulla secretes adrenaline into bloodstream
• adrenaline causes range of physiological changes in body to prepare (increase breathing rate/heart rate, dialect pupils)
• once threat has passed, parasympathetic nervous system turns body to resting state