the endocrine system Flashcards
what is the endocrine system?
the endocrine system works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body. this system works much more slowly than the nervous system but has very widespread and powerful effects
what is the function of the endocrine system?
its function is to secrete hormones that are required to regulate and maintain bodily functions. they provide a chemical system of communication via the bloodstream.
what is a gland?
an organ in the body that produces substances such as hormones
what are hormones?
chemical substances that are secreted into the bloodstream and affect any cell in the body that has a receptor for that hormone. they are produced in large quantities but disappear very quickly and have very powerful effects
what is the pituitary gland?
located in the base of the brain. its known as the master gland that regulates all other endocrine glands
what is the adrenal gland?
there are 2 adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney which produce the hormone ‘adrenaline’ the fight or flight hormone. this is released into the bloodstream as a response to a threat and prepares the body to fight or run by raising the heart and breathing rate.
what is the pineal gland?
secretes the hormone melatonin that helps to regulate sleep by making us feel drowsy.
what is the fight or flight response?
when the nervous system and endocrine system work together.
1. when a stressor is experienced, the hypothalamus triggers activity.
2. the ANS changes from its resting state (parasympathetic) to the physically aroused symapthetic state.
3. sympathetic branch of the ANS stimulates the adrenal medulla.
4. the adrenal medulla releases adrenaline into the bloodstream (increases heart rate, breathing, blood flow)
5. adrenaline leads to changes in the body creating the physiological arousal needed for the fight or flight response
6. once the threat has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to its resting state.
AO3: how is ‘negative consequences on health’ a limitation to the fight or flight response?
the stressor of modern-day life can repeatedly activate the fight or flight response, which can have a negative consequence on our health. for example, individuals who face a lot of stress and regularly activate the sympathetic nervous system, which continually increases their blood pressure which can cause damage to their blood vessels. this makes those individuals more prone to negative health such as heart disease. this suggests that the fight or flight response is a maladaptive response in modern day life.
AO3: how is ‘tend and befriend’ a limitation to the fight or flight response?
the fight or flight response is typically a male response to danger and more recent research suggests that females adopt a ‘tend and befriend’ response in dangerous/stressful situations. according to Taylor et al (2000), women are more likely to protect their offspring (tend) and form alliances with other women (befriend), rather than fight an adversary or flee. therefore, the fight/flight response is an example of beta bias. furthermore, the fight or flight response may be counterintuitive for women, as running (flight) may be seen as a sign of weakness and put their offspring at risk of danger.
