the endocrine system Flashcards
what is the endocrine system?
a series of glands which release hormones throughout the body via blood and other bodily fluids
what are the main glands of the endocrine system?
-pituitary
-thyroid
-parathyroid
-adrenal
-pancreas
-ovaries
-testes
what does the pituitary gland do?
-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)
what does the thyroid gland do?
-releases thyroxine
-responsible for regulating metabolism
what do the adrenal glands do?
-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
what do the ovaries do?
-release oestrogen and progesterone, which control the regulation of the female reproductive system including the menstrual cycle and pregnancy
what do the testes do?
-release testosterone which is responsible for the development of male sex characteristics during puberty, while also promoting muscle growth
research on the endocrine system
-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
briefly evaluate the endocrine system
-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
