Endocrine System - BIOPSYCHOLOGY Flashcards
what is the function of hormones
to excite or stimulate the body and it’s organs
what do most hormones only affect
their ‘target’ cells
how do hormones ‘know’ which cell to affect
when enough signals are received, cells produce a reaction. cells without the right receptor aren’t affected
what is the endocrine system
a network of glands throughout the body that manufacture and secrete hormones
what are hormones required for
to regulate bodily functions
how are hormones released throughout the body
via the bloodstream
what does the endocrine system provide
a chemical system of communication for the body
what’s the difference between the endocrine system and the nervous system
endocrine system uses blood to deliver hormones to target sites in the body whereas the nervous system uses nerves to transmit information
how does the endocrine system using blood to deliver hormones affect its efficiency
means it acts much more slowly than the nervous system
what are the glands included in the network within the endocrine system
pituitary gland, adrenal glands and reproductive organs
what controls the pituitary gland
the hypothalamus
what is the pituitary gland referred to as
the ‘master gland’
what is the function of the pituitary gland
produces hormones which influences the hormonal release from other glands (controls many bodily functions)
name two hormones released from the pituitary gland
Gonadotropins and oxytocin
what is the function of gonadotropin
hair/ milk production
what is the function of oxytocin
orgasm, pair bonding, social recognition, anxiety (positive loop)
name the two parts that make up the adrenal gland
adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla
what do both the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla do
each release hormones
what is included in the reproductive glands
ovaries and testes
function of the ovaries
eggs production and progesterone
function of testes
testosterone - male characteristics, sex drive, muscle size/ strength, bone density
what is testosterone controlled by
hypothalamus and pituitary gland
