Biopsychology - the endocrine system Flashcards
what is the endocrine system
One of the body’s major information systems that instructs glands to release hormones direcly into the blood stream. These hormones are carried towards target organs in the body.
It communicates via chemicals
define gland
An organ in the body that synthesises substances such as hormones
define hormone
A biochemical substance that circulates in the blood but only affects target organs. They are produced in large quantities but disappear quickly.
Their effects are very powerful.
define fight or flight response
The way an animal resonds when stressed. The body becomes physiologically aroused in readiness to fight an agressor or, in some cases, flee
what is adrenaline
A hormone produced by the adrenal gland which is part of the human body’s immediate stress response system. Adrenaline has a strong effect on the cells of the cardiovascular system - stimulating heart rate, contracting blood vessles and dilating air passages.
list the main endocrine glands
- Hypothalamus
- pituitary gland
- thyroid
- adrenal glands
- ovaries
- testes
what is the hypothalamus’ role in the endocrine system
it produces hormones that control body temperature, heart rate, and hunger to maintain homeostasis
where is the hypothalamus located
in the brain above the pituitary gland
What is the pituitary gland’s role in the endocrine system
The pituitary gland is often named the ‘master gland’ as it controls the release of hormones from all the other endocrine glands in the body.
The (anterior) pituitary gland produces Lutenising hormone (LH) and Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
define homeostasis
The process of maintaining a reasonably constant environment or steady state.
What effect does Lutenising hormone (LH) and Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) have
In females: it stimulates the ovaries to produce oestrogen and progesterone.
In males: it stimulates the testes to produce testosterone and sperm.
What is the role of the thyroid in the endocrine system
The thyroid produces thyroxine
what is meant by metabolic rates
the chemical processes taking place in the cells
what effect does thyroxine have
- It increases heart rate
- It affects the cells in the body which increases metabolic rates this in turn affects growth rates.
Where is the thyroid located
at the front of the neck
What is the role of the adrenal glands in the endocrine system
produces adrenaline
where are the adrenal glands located
one on top of each of the kidneys
what effect does adrenaline have
It is part of the human body’s immediate stress response system. It has a strong effect on the cells of the cardiovascular system - stimulating heart rate, contracting blood vessles and dilating air passages.
contracting blood vessels as in helping them pump the blood
what is the role of ovaries in the endocrine system
Only for females
It produces oestrogen
What effect does oestrogen have
plays a role in the menstrual cycle and reproductive system
what is the role of the testes in the endocrine system
only for males
produces testosterone
where are the ovaries located
Either side of the uterus in the abdomen
what effect does testosterone have
It is associated with aggressiveness
What is the role of the pancreas in the endocrine system
It produces insulin and glucagon
where are the testes located
in the scrotum
where is the pancreas located
in the upper part of the abdomen
What effect do insulin and glucagon have
they help with regulating blood sugar levels
What happens during a stressful event
The endocrine system and teh autonomic nervous system (ANS) work in parallel. When a stressor is percieved the hypothalamus activates the pituitary gland which triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused sympathetic state.
Explain the speed at which the endocrine system and autonomic nervous system react to a stressor
It all happens in an instant as soon as the threat is detected. This is an acute response and an automatic reaction in the body. The physiolocigal changes associated with this symapthetic responses. These changes explain why stress, panic and even excitement are often experienced as a ‘sick’ feeling.
Outline the parasympathetic action
Once the threat has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to its resting state. The parasympathetic branch of the ANS works in opposition to the sympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic system reduces the activities of the body that were increased by the actions of the sympathetic branch.
This is sometimes referred to as the rest and digest response
