Biopsychology : The Endocrine System

Question 1

Outline the function of the Endocrine System.

Answer 1

Its function is to monitor the body’s internal environment and regulate the activity of the body’s organs.

Question 2

Outline Glands and their function.

Answer 2

> Glands are organs of the endocrine system.
The function is to monitor the body’s internal environment and to regulate the action of different organs of the body through secretion of hormones.

Question 3

Outline Hormones and their function.

Answer 3

> Hormones are the chemical messengers of the Endocrine System. They are chemical substances that are secreted by glands into the bloodstream.
They affect any cell in the body that has an appropriate receptor.
Different hormones have different functions, though they have a powerful effect on the functions of organs and this has consequences for our behaviour.

Question 4

Describe an example of a Hormone. — ACTH

Answer 4

ACTH: released by the pituitary gland in response to stress. It binds with receptors in the adrenal gland, leading to the secretion of stress hormones involved in fight or flight.

Question 5

Describe an example of a Hormone. — Adrenal Gland

Answer 5

> This consists of adrenaline and cortisol.
Adrenaline is a key hormone in the fight other than flight response. It interacts with the cardiovascular system, stimulating the heart rate, connecting blood vessels and dilating pupils.
Cortisol is another hormone involved in fight or flight. It helps maintain the body in fight or flight response for an extended period of time (during times of chronic stress).