Biopsychology - The Endocrine System

Question 1

What is the endocrine system & its role in the body?

Answer 1

• series of glands
• controls vital functions of the body
  (alongside Nervous System)
• communicates messages to organs

Question 2

What are glands & hormones & what do they do?

Answer 2

• facilitate the release of different chemicals &
  hormones
• hormones travel via bloodstream & bodily
  fluids
• hormones influence behaviour in different
  ways

Question 3

What are examples of glands, hormones & their specific functions?
(PATTO)

Answer 3

Pituitary = Oxytocin - reproduction

Adrenal = Adrenaline - fight or flight

Thyroid = Thyroxine -

Testes = Testosterone - Male, aggression & rep.

Ovaries = Oest & Prog - Female reproduction

Question 4

What is the fight or flight response & why is it useful?

Answer 4

A reflex response generated by the Autonomic N.S.

• designed to help with a physical response to
  threat
• helps the individual react quicker than normal
• facilitates optimal function (face threat or run)
• activated in times of stress

Question 5

Outline the process of the fight or flight response

Answer 5

Hypothalamus (brain - CNS - survival functions) recognises threat
>
message sent to Adrenal gland (ad. medulla)
>
Adrenaline released into the endocrine system
& Noradrenaline in the brain
>
Physical changes prompted

Question 6

What physical changes are prompted in the fight or flight response & why?

Answer 6

• Increased heart rate
  = ^ blood flow & spread of adrenaline
• ^ breathing rate
  = ^ oxygen intake
• muscle tension
  = improve reaction time & speed
• pupil dilation
  = improve vision

-reduce function of digestive & immune system
= saves energy for prioritised function(running)

Question 7

What happens in the body after the fight or flight response?

Answer 7

Parasympathetic Nervous System digests & returns the body to equilibrium