Biopsychology- The endocrine system Flashcards
What does the endocrine system involve?
Hormones
Does the endocrine system work faster or slower than the nervous system?
Slower
Define the endocrine system
A network of glands across the body that secrete hormones
What organs produce hormones?
Glands
How do hormones secreted into the bloodstream affect specific cells?
Cells have receptors for that particular hormone
What does the endocrine system use to transport hormones around the body to specific cells?
Blood vessels
Define endocrine glands
Special groups of cells within the endocrine system whose functions is to produce and secrete hormone
Define hormones
The body’s chemical messengers travel through the bloodstream, influencing many different processes including mood, the stress response and bonding between mother and baby
What is the purpose of the hypothalamus?
-It is not a gland but controls all the glands in the body
-Connected to the pituitary gland and is responsible for stimulating and controlling the release of hormones from the pituitary gland
What is the main function of the pituitary gland?
Controls and stimulates the release of hormones from all other glands
What is the function of the anterior lobe?
Releases adrenocortical trophic hormone which stimulates the adrenal cortex and releases cortisol
What is the function of the posterior lobe?
Releases oxytocin which is responsible for uterus contractions in childbirth, mother and infant bonding
What is the responsibility of the pineal gland?
Biological rhythms including the sleep /wake cycle
What hormone does the thyroid gland release and what is the function of it?
-Thyroxine
-Regulates metabolism
What two parts is the adrenal gland divided into?
-Medulla
-Adrenal cortex
What is the function of the medulla?
Releases adrenaline and nor adrenaline, fight/flight
What is the function of he adrenal gland?
Releases cortisol + glucose
What do the testes release?
Androgens, including testosterone
What is testosterone responsible for?
The development of male sex characteristics, sex drive, maintenance of muscle strength
What gland releases oestrogen?
The ovaries
What is oestrogen responsible for? I’m
The regulation of female reproductive system including the menstrual cycle and pregnancy
Describe in 4 steps how the endocrine system and ANS work together
- Stressor is received, hypothalamus triggers activity in sympathetic branch, not in normal resting state
- Adrenaline is released from the medulla into the bloodstream
- Adrenaline triggers physiological changes in target organs
- PNS returns to resting state, activities are reduced in the body
