Biopsychology - The Function Of The Endocrine System

Question 1

What is the endocrine system?

Answer 1

The Endocrine System is composed of glands that secrete chemicals called hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Question 2

What are hormones?

Answer 2

Chemical messengers that travel to particular organs and have powerful effects.

Question 3

What is the pituitary gland?

Answer 3

A ‘master gland’ as it controls the release of hormones from other glands in the body. It secretes several hormones into the blood in response to body conditions.

Question 4

What is the pancreas?

Answer 4

Produces insulin which regulates the blood glucose level.

Question 5

What is the thyroid gland?

Answer 5

Produces thyroxine which controls the metabolic rate and affects growth.

Question 6

What are adrenal glands?

Answer 6

Produces adrenaline and noradrenaline.

Question 7

What are the ovaries?

Answer 7

Produces oestrogen.

Question 8

What are the testes?

Answer 8

Produce testosterone.

Question 9

What are the stages of the fight or flight response?

Answer 9

1. A person enters a stressful situation.
2. The amygdala is activated which sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus.
3. The hypothalamus activates the sympathomedullary pathway (SAM pathway) - the pathway running to the adrenal medulla and the sympathetic nervous system.
4. The SNS stimulates the adrenal medulla, part of the adrenal gland.
5. The adrenal gland secretes the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream.
6. Adrenaline causes a number of physiological changes to prepare the body for fight or flight.

Question 10

What are the effects of adrenaline?

Answer 10

• increased heart rate
• increased sweating
• Decreased digestion
• Decreased salivation (dry mouth)