Biopsychology: Function of the Endocrine System 24/25 Updated Flashcards
What are the chemical messengers in the body called?
Hormones
What are hormones?
Chemical messengers in the body
What are hormones released by?
Glands
What do glands releases?
Hormones
What does the endocrine system regulate?
The activity of cells and organs in the body
What is the name of the chemical communication within the bloodstream?
The endocrine system
Whilst the endocrine system is slower than the nervous system its effects are …
more widespread and powerful
What are glands?
An organ that secretes/releases hormones.
What do glands do?
Release horrmones
Control/regulate functions in the body
What is the pituitary gland also known as?
Master gland
What is another name for the master gland?
The pituitary gland
What is the function of the pituitary gland?
Controls the function of other glands
Which hormone does the testes release?
Testosterone
What is the role of testosterone?
Creating male characteristics
Production of sperm
Which hormones do the ovaries release?
Oestrogen and Progesterone
What is the role of oestrogen and progesterone?
Regulate the female menstrual cycle
Prepare the body for reproduction
Which hormones does the adrenal gland release?
Adrenaline
What is the role of adrenaline?
Leads to physiological changes to prepare the body for fight or flight
Which changes occur due to the release of adrenaline?
Increased blood flow to transport oxygen to the brain for rapid response planning.
Which hormone is released by the Pineal Gland?
Melatonin
What is the role of melatonin?
Regulates the sleep-wake cycle
What is the endocrine system?
A system where messages in the body can be communicated through the release of hormones.
What kind of system of communication does the endocrine system provide in the body?
- it provides a chemical system of communication within the bloodstream to regulate the activity of cells and organs in the body.
What is the endocrine system like in comparison to the nervous system?
The endocrine system is slower than the nervous system but its effects are more widespread and powerful.
What chemical messengers are released in the endocrine system and where are they circulated?
Hormones - which are circulated in the blood and control our cells/organs and influence behaviour.
What is the role of glands in the endocrine system?
To secrete or release hormones to control/regulate functions in the body.
What does the pineal gland do?
Secrete the hormone melatonin which is involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle by making the person feel tired and therefore ready to sleep.
What does the adrenal gland do?
Releases adrenaline which causes physiological changes involved in the fight or flight response such as increased blood flow to transport oxygen to the brain for rapid response planning.
What does the pituitary gland do?
It secretes many different hormones that control the function of the other glands - e.g. ovaries and testes.
What is the role of the anterior pituitary gland in regulation of the menstrual cycle?
The anterior pituitary gland releases LH and FSH which encourages the ovaries to release oestrogen and progesterone to regulate the menstrual cycle.
What is the role of the anterior pituitary gland in regulation of the production of sperm?
The anterior pituitary gland releases LH and FSH which encourages the release of testosterone which is involved in creating male characteristics and the production of sperm.
