the endocrine system Flashcards

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1
Q

what is the endocrine system?

A

a series of glands which release hormones throughout the body via blood and other bodily fluids

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2
Q

what are the main glands of the endocrine system?

A

-pituitary
-thyroid
-parathyroid
-adrenal
-pancreas
-ovaries
-testes

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3
Q

what does the pituitary gland do?

A

-it’s the ‘master gland’
-mainly releases ACTH (stimulates adrenal cortex and the release of cortisol in response to stress) and oxytocin (responsible for uterus contractions in childbirth)

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4
Q

what does the thyroid gland do?

A

-releases thyroxine
-responsible for regulating metabolism

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5
Q

what do the adrenal glands do?

A

-adrenal medulla releases adrenaline and noradrenaline, key hormones in the fight or flight response
-adrenal cortex releases cortisol, stimulating the release of glucose to provide the body with energy while suppressing the immune system

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6
Q

what do the ovaries do?

A

-release oestrogen and progesterone, which control the regulation of the female reproductive system including the menstrual cycle and pregnancy

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7
Q

what do the testes do?

A

-release testosterone which is responsible for the development of male sex characteristics during puberty, while also promoting muscle growth

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8
Q

research on the endocrine system

A

-Kosfeld et al 2005 - high levels of oxytocin encourages strong bonding between couples
-Money + Ehrardt 1972 - girls who’s mums who took drugs containing testosterone during pregnancy showed more male type behaviours, showing the influence of neurochemistry

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9
Q

briefly evaluate the endocrine system

A

-assessing the extent to which biological structures affect behaviour is hard, some could just be ‘tools’ rather than a cause, cause and effect can’t be established
-the idea that bio structures underpin our behaviour is reductionist and deterministic, as well as being too simplistic
-many hormones have more than one effect on behaviour, eg testosterone with male development as well as aggression

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