Endocrine System and fight or flight

Question 1

What is the endocrine system?

Answer 1

The endocrine system is a chemical system of communication throughout the body via the bloodstream, endocrine glands produce and secrete hormones into the bloodstream which can regulate body functions. Major glands in the system include the adrenal and pituitary glands. Each gland produces different hormones which regulate activity if certain organs/tissues by effecting target cells which are cells which have receptors for that hormone. When enough of the hormone stimulates the receptor sites there is a physiological effect.

Question 2

Pituitary gland

Answer 2

It is located in the brain and produces hormones that influence the release of other hormones but other glands around the body. The gland is controlled by the hypothalamus which is just above the pituitary gland in the brain. When the hypothalamus sends a message to the pituitary gland through a releasing hormone it sends a stimulating hormone into the bloodstream telling a target gland to release its hormone. As the level of hormone in the bloodstream rises the hypothalamus stops releasing its read long hormone so the pituitary gland stops its stimulating hormone.
It has two devisions
1) the anterior pituitary gland which release the ACTH hormone which regulates the level of the cortisol hormone
2) the posterior pituitary gland which regulates the hormone oxytocin used in mother child bonding.

Question 3

Adrenal glands and Adrenalin

Answer 3

There are two adrenal glands on top of each of the kidneys each made two distinct parts.
-) The adrenal cortex, the outer section of the gland. Produces the cortisol hormone which is produced when someone is experiencing long term stress. It can also effect blood pressure and the constriction of blood vessels.
-) The adrenal medulla, the inner section of the gland which produces adrenaline. This is needed for the fight of flight response which occurs due to sudden stress.
This hormone increases heart rate, dilated pupils, stops digestion by diverting blood away from the digestive system alongside the kidneys and the skin. It also increases blood pressure and flow while increasing supply of blood to skeletal muscles and the brain.

Question 4

The symapthomedullary pathway

Answer 4

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is triggered by the hypothalamus. It sends a messsge to the adrenal medulla causing it to release Adrenaline into the bloodstream.

Question 5

Parasympathetic nervous system

Answer 5

When the threat has decreased it dampens the stress response it slows down the heartbeat and reduces blood pressure, it also restarts digestion.

Question 6

Fight or flight evaluation

Answer 6

+) the response makes sense from an evolutionary psychology standpoint as it would have helped an individual survive.

+) studies support the claim that adrenaline is an important part of preparing the body for stress as people with malfunctioning adrenal gland do not have a normal fight or flight response

• ) Gray(1988) states the first reaction to stress is not fight or flight but it freeze.
• ) Taylor (2000) found that females tend and befriend in times of stress referring to the protection of offspring and seeking out social groups for mutual defence. Women have the hormone oxytocin making them more likely to defend their offspring
• ) Von Dawans (2012) found that even makes tend and befriend such as when during the 9/11 attack they tried to help one another and contact loved ones.