Biopsychology(the endocrine system)

Question 1

Endocrine glands -

Answer 1

• Produce and secrete hormones
• These hormones act as chemicals which regulate the bodies activity of cells and organs.
• Major glands include - the pituitary, the reproductive and adrenal glands
• Each gland produces different hormones.
• Endocrine system is regulated by feedback.

Question 2

Hormones -

Answer 2

• Chemical messengers that circulate the bloodstream.
• These are carried to the target sites which are released from glands.
• Hormone usually affects only a limited number of cells
• They respond in different ways due to the receptors for that hormone.
• Cells without that specific receptor cannot respond to the hormone its specific to.
• When enough receptors are stimulated by the receptors its results in a physiological reaction.
• Too much or too little at the wrong time can lead to dysfunction of bodily systems.

Question 3

Pituitary gland -

Answer 3

• Produces hormone which primary function is to influence the release of hormones of other glands.
• That’s why it’s called the master gland.
  Therefore regulates many bodily functions.
• Controlled by the hypothalamus.
• They hypothalamus receives much information from many sources about the basic functions of the body.
• The pituitary gland either causes physiological changes or stimulates the release of other hormones from other glands.
• High levels of other glands releasing their own hormones can stop them from releasing hormones from the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.
• Called negative feedback and stops hormone levels from being too high.

Question 4

Hormones produced from the pituitary gland -

Answer 4

The pituitary gland has two main parts:
- Anterior (front) and Posterior (back) (pituitary)
- Each part release different hormones which target different hormones. These act on different target glands.

Question 5

Anterior pituitary gland -

Answer 5

• Reacts to stress by the release of ACTH and this stimulates the release of the adrenal gland and release of cortisol.
• Also helps with sexual characteristics and reproductive functioning. E,g the luteinising and follicle stimulating hormone (LH and FSH). Females - stimulate ovaries to produce oestrogen and progesterone. Whereas in males it stimulates the release of testosterone and sperm.

Question 6

Posterior pituitary gland -

Answer 6

• Releases oxytocin, which stimulates the contraction of the uterus for childbirth, important for mother infant bonding.

Question 7

The adrenal glands -

Answer 7

• Located at the top of the kidneys
• Made up of two individuals parts (The medulla (inside) and the cortex (outer)).
• Distinction between the two may be the adrenal cortex hormones released are necessary for life whereas the medullas aren’t.

Question 8

Adrenal cortex (outer part)

Answer 8

Produces cortisol - Increased in response to stress, If cortisol levels are low an individual has low blood pressure, poor immune function and the inability to deal with stress.
Produces aldosterone - responsible for maintaining blood pressure and volume.

Question 9

The medulla (inner part)

Answer 9

Produces adrenaline and noradrenaline - prepare the body for fight or flight. In response to a stressful situation. May increase blood flow and heart rate to working muscles and the brain, helps with the conversion of glycogen to glucose to provide energy. Noradrenaline constricts the blood vessels causing the blood pressure to increase.

Question 10

Ovaries -

Answer 10

Ovaries are responsible for the production of the egg.