Biopsychology- The Endocrine System Flashcards
What does the endocrine system involve?
Glands and hormones
What is a gland?
A group of cells that are specialised to secrete a useful substance such as a hormone
What are hormones?
‘Chemical messengers’ that are often proteins or peptides
When are hormones secreted?
When a gland in stimulated
How can glands be stimulated? (2 ways)
- By a change in concentration of a specific substance
- By electrical impulses
How do hormones travel?
They diffuse directly into the blood and taken around the body by the circulatory system
Where do hormones diffuse out of the blood?
All over the body
How will each hormone bind?
To specific receptors
Where do hormones trigger a response?
In the target cells
What is the endocrine system responsible for?
Regulating a large number of bodily functions
What is the role of the hypothalamus?
Produces hormones that control the pituitary gland
What is the pituitary gland?
Known as the ‘master gland’ as it releases hormones to control other glands in the endocrine system
What is the role of the pineal gland?
Responsible for the production of melatonin which plays a role in the control of sleep patterns
What is the role of the thyroid gland?
Produces thyroxine and controls metabolic rate and regulates growth and maturation
What is the role of the parathyroid glands?
Produces the parathyroid hormone which helps to control levels of minerals within the body
What is the role of the thymus gland?
Regulates the immune system
What is the role of the adrenal glands?
Produce adrenaline and responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response
What is the role of the pancreas?
Releases insulin and glucagon which regulate blood sugar level
What is the role of ovaries and testes?
Produce sex hormone which are important in reproduction, the development of sex organs and secondary sexual characteristics
Why is chemical communication slower than electrical communication?
Hormones must travel in the blood and aren’t released directly onto target cells
Why can the effect of hormones last a long time?
As they aren’t broken down as quickly as neurotransmitters
Why can the response from hormones be widespread?
As hormones are transported all over the body
When does the ‘fight or flight’ response happen?
When the body is threatened
What happens in the initial shock response with the hypothalamus?
The hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system
What happens after the hypothalamus triggers the SNS?
Stimulates the adrenal medulla within adrenal glands which releases adrenaline and noradrenaline into the blood stream
What are the physiological responses in the ‘fight or flight’ response? (7 points)
- Blood pressure and heart rate increase
- Inhibits digestion
- Muscles become tense
- Perspiration increases
- Breathing rate increases
- Pupils dilate
- Inhibits salivation
