Biopsychology - the endocrine system

Question 1

what is the endocrine system

Answer 1

One of the body’s major information systems that instructs glands to release hormones direcly into the blood stream. These hormones are carried towards target organs in the body.
It communicates via chemicals

Question 2

define gland

Answer 2

An organ in the body that synthesises substances such as hormones

Question 3

define hormone

Answer 3

A biochemical substance that circulates in the blood but only affects target organs. They are produced in large quantities but disappear quickly.
Their effects are very powerful.

Question 4

define fight or flight response

Answer 4

The way an animal resonds when stressed. The body becomes physiologically aroused in readiness to fight an agressor or, in some cases, flee

Question 5

what is adrenaline

Answer 5

A hormone produced by the adrenal gland which is part of the human body’s immediate stress response system. Adrenaline has a strong effect on the cells of the cardiovascular system - stimulating heart rate, contracting blood vessles and dilating air passages.

Question 6

list the main endocrine glands

Answer 6

• Hypothalamus
• pituitary gland
• thyroid
• adrenal glands
• ovaries
• testes

Question 7

what is the hypothalamus’ role in the endocrine system

Answer 7

it produces hormones that control body temperature, heart rate, and hunger to maintain homeostasis

Question 8

where is the hypothalamus located

Answer 8

in the brain above the pituitary gland

Question 9

What is the pituitary gland’s role in the endocrine system

Answer 9

The pituitary gland is often named the ‘master gland’ as it controls the release of hormones from all the other endocrine glands in the body.
The (anterior) pituitary gland produces Lutenising hormone (LH) and Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Question 10

define homeostasis

Answer 10

The process of maintaining a reasonably constant environment or steady state.

Question 11

What effect does Lutenising hormone (LH) and Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) have

Answer 11

In females: it stimulates the ovaries to produce oestrogen and progesterone.

In males: it stimulates the testes to produce testosterone and sperm.

Question 12

What is the role of the thyroid in the endocrine system

Answer 12

The thyroid produces thyroxine

Question 13

what is meant by metabolic rates

Answer 13

the chemical processes taking place in the cells

Question 14

what effect does thyroxine have

Answer 14

• It increases heart rate
• It affects the cells in the body which increases metabolic rates this in turn affects growth rates.

Question 15

Where is the thyroid located

Answer 15

at the front of the neck

Question 16

What is the role of the adrenal glands in the endocrine system

Answer 16

produces adrenaline

Question 17

where are the adrenal glands located

Answer 17

one on top of each of the kidneys

Question 18

what effect does adrenaline have

Answer 18

It is part of the human body’s immediate stress response system. It has a strong effect on the cells of the cardiovascular system - stimulating heart rate, contracting blood vessles and dilating air passages.

contracting blood vessels as in helping them pump the blood

Question 19

what is the role of ovaries in the endocrine system

Answer 19

Only for females
It produces oestrogen

Question 20

What effect does oestrogen have

Answer 20

plays a role in the menstrual cycle and reproductive system

Question 21

what is the role of the testes in the endocrine system

Answer 21

only for males
produces testosterone

Question 22

where are the ovaries located

Answer 22

Either side of the uterus in the abdomen

Question 23

what effect does testosterone have

Answer 23

It is associated with aggressiveness

Question 24

What is the role of the pancreas in the endocrine system

Answer 24

It produces insulin and glucagon

Question 25

where are the testes located

Answer 25

in the scrotum

Question 26

where is the pancreas located

Answer 26

in the upper part of the abdomen

Question 27

What effect do insulin and glucagon have

Answer 27

they help with regulating blood sugar levels

Question 28

What happens during a stressful event

Answer 28

The endocrine system and teh autonomic nervous system (ANS) work in parallel. When a stressor is percieved the hypothalamus activates the pituitary gland which triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.

The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused sympathetic state.

Question 29

Explain the speed at which the endocrine system and autonomic nervous system react to a stressor

Answer 29

It all happens in an instant as soon as the threat is detected. This is an acute response and an automatic reaction in the body. The physiolocigal changes associated with this symapthetic responses. These changes explain why stress, panic and even excitement are often experienced as a ‘sick’ feeling.

Question 30

Outline the parasympathetic action

Answer 30

Once the threat has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to its resting state. The parasympathetic branch of the ANS works in opposition to the sympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic system reduces the activities of the body that were increased by the actions of the sympathetic branch.

This is sometimes referred to as the rest and digest response