Biopsychology:The Endocrine System and the fight or flight response Flashcards
Define what the endocrine system is
a collection of glands that work alongside the nervous system to control our vital functions
What is the function of the endocrine system
2 points
to secrete the hormones which are required to regulate many bodily functions
to provide a chemical system of communication via the blood stream
What part of the brain controls the endocrine system?
How does it do this?
the hypothalamus
by linking the endocrine system and the nervous system together
Name and state the function of 4 glands in the endocrine system
(P,P,T,A)
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
Describe what the fight or flight response is
What is it an example of
What does the response provide us with
our bodies response to stress
of our nervous system and endocrine system working together
the energy to fight or flee a situation
Describe the process of the fight or fight response
5 points
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
State the 7 ways the body responds during the fight or flight response
-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