Biopsychology:The Endocrine System and the fight or flight response

Question 1

Define what the endocrine system is

Answer 1

a collection of glands that work alongside the nervous system to control our vital functions

Question 2

What is the function of the endocrine system

2 points

Answer 2

to secrete the hormones which are required to regulate many bodily functions

to provide a chemical system of communication via the blood stream

Question 3

What part of the brain controls the endocrine system?

How does it do this?

Answer 3

the hypothalamus

by linking the endocrine system and the nervous system together

Question 4

Name and state the function of 4 glands in the endocrine system
(P,P,T,A)

Answer 4

pineal-produces melatonin to regulate sleep pattern
pituitary-controls many bodily functions in response to signals from the brain
thyroid-produces thyroid hormones T3 and T4 to regulate metabolism
adrenals-produce adrenaline/noradrenaline/cortisol to regulate the bodies response to stress

Question 5

Describe what the fight or flight response is

What is it an example of

What does the response provide us with

Answer 5

our bodies response to stress

of our nervous system and endocrine system working together

the energy to fight or flee a situation

Question 6

Describe the process of the fight or fight response

5 points

Answer 6

1)a situation is perceived as a threat by the amygdala and the hypothalamus is activated
2)hypothalamus sends nerve impulses to activate the sympathetic branch of the ANS which releases noradrenaline
3)an impulse is sent to the adrenal medulla
4)the adrenal medulla releases adrenaline which induces the fight or flight response

5) after a few minutes the parasympathetic branch is activated to return the body to its normal state

Question 7

State the 7 ways the body responds during the fight or flight response

Answer 7

-HR increases to transport more oxygen to muscles
-BR increases to increase oxygen intake for respiration
-blood flow is diverted from skin and intestines to muscles and the brain
-digestion inhibited to save energy for prioritised functions
-increase in glucose conversion for respiration
-pupils dilate to improve vision
-sweat production increases to regulate body temp