The Neuroendocrine System

Question 1

Neuroendocrinology

Answer 1

The study of the interaction between the nervous system and the endocrine system, and the effects of various hormones on cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning.

Question 2

Pituitary gland - 2 lobes & hormones within them

Answer 2

Pituitary gland:
1) Posterior lobe
- Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) (vasopressin)
- Oxytocin
2) Anterior lobe
- Growth hormone
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone
- Prolactin
- Gonadotropic hormones
- Melanocyte-stimulating hormone

Question 3

Pituitary gland & Circadian rhythm

Answer 3

• Circadian rhythms follow a 24-hour cycle and may influence a variety of regulatory functions, including the sleep-wakefulness cycle, body temperature regulation, patterns of activity such as eating and drinking, and hormone secretion.
• These rhythms may play a role in psychopathology (the study of mental illness)

Question 4

Hormones of the neuroendocrine system & their functions & behavioral correlation to altered secretion (table 2-3 pg. 27)

Answer 4

• Antidiuretic hormone (ADH): conservation of body water and maintenance of blood pressure
  * Polydipsia; altered pain response; modified sleep pattern
• Oxytocin: contraction of the uterus for labor; release of breast milk
  * Stress response by stimulation of ACTH
• Growth hormone (GH): growth in children; protein synthesis in adults
  * Anorexia nervosa
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): stimulation of secretion of needed thyroid hormones for metabolism and regulation of temperature
  * Increased levels of thyroid hormones (decreased secretion of TSH): insomnia, anxiety, emotional lability
  * Decreased levels of thyroid hormones (increased secretion of TSH): fatigue, depression
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): stimulation of secretion of cortisol, which plays a role in response to stress
  * Decreased levels: Depression, apathy, fatigue
  * Increased levels: Mood disorders, psychosis
• Prolactin: stimulation of milk production
  * Increased levels: depression, anxiety, decreased libido, irritability
• Gonadotropic hormones: stimulation of secretion of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone; role in ovulation and sperm production
  * Decreased levels: depression and anorexia nervosa
  * Increased testosterone: increased sexual behavior and aggressiveness
• Melanocyte-stimulating hormone: stimulation of secretion of melatonin
  * Increased levels: depression (ex: seasonal affective disorder SAD)