Biopsychology - The endocrine system Flashcards
What is the endocrine system?
This is a network of glands throughout the body that manufacture and secrete chemical messengers known as hormones.
What does the ES use to deliver hormones to their target sites in the body?
Blood vessels
What is the function of endocrine glands?
Produce and secrete hormones, chemical substances that regulate the activity of cells or organs in the body.
What are the major glands of the endocrine system?
Pituitary gland, adrenal glands and the reproductive organs (ovaries and testes). Each gland produces different hormones which regulate the activity of organs and tissues.
What are hormones?
Chemicals that circulate in the bloodstream and are carried to target sites throughout the body.
What is the function of the pituitary gland?
Produces hormones whose primary function is to influence the release of hormones from other glands, and regulates many of the body’s functions.
What is the pituitary controlled by?
The hypothalamus, a region of the brain just above the pituitary gland
What does the pituitary ‘master gland’ produce?
Produces hormones that travel in the bloodstream to their specific target. These hormones either directly cause changes in psychological processes in the body or stimulate other glands to produce other hormones.
What do high levels of hormones in other endocrine glands stop? What is this called?
Can stop the hypothalamus and pituitary releasing more of their own hormones. This is called negative feedback, and prevents hormone levels from rising too high.
What are the main parts of the pituitary gland?
The anterior (front) and posterior (back) pituitary
These two parts release different hormones which target different parts of the body.
Where are the adrenal glands found?
Sit on top of the kidneys
What are the adrenal glands made up of?
Two distinct parts
Outer = adrenal cortex
Inner = adrenal medulla
What is the main difference between the regions of the adrenal glands?
The main difference is that hormones released by the adrenal cortex are necessary for life; those released by the adrenal medulla are not
What hormones does the adrenal cortex produce?
Cortisol, which regulates or supports a variety of important bodily functions including cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory functions. Increased in response to stress.
Aldosterone, responsible for maintaining blood volume and blood pressure.
What does the adrenal medulla release?
Adrenaline and noradrenaline, hormones that prepare the body for fight or flight. Adrenaline helps the body respond to a stressful situation. Noradrenaline constricts the blood vessels, causing blood pressure to increase.
