BIOPSYCH: Endocrine System

Question 1

define hormones:

Answer 1

• chemical messengers travel through bloodstream
• only affect limited cells (target cells)
• hormones regulate bodily fluids

Question 2

target cells (hormones)

Answer 2

target cells respond to specific hormones (receptors for specific hormones)
- when enough receptor sites are stimulated by hormones -> results in physiological reaction in target cells

Question 3

define the endocrine system

Answer 3

• a network of glands throughout the body that make and secrete hormones
• the ES travels through the bloodstream, slower than electrical impulses like the NS
• provides a chemical system of communication for the body via the bloodstream

Question 4

how does the endocrine system work with the NS?

Answer 4

works with the NS to regulate physiological processes
but the endocrine system uses blood vessels to deliver hormones to target sites rather than nerves

it acts much slower than the NS but has more widespread powerful effects

Question 5

how is the endocrine system regulated?

Answer 5

through feedback

Question 6

regulation of the endocrine system:

Answer 6

1. a signal prompts system to produce a hormone
2. hormone is released in response to stimulus
3. as hormone levels rise in bloodstream, a second set of signals slows down secretion of first hormone
4. results in stable concentrations of hormones in blood

Question 7

regulation of feedback in the endocrine system:

Answer 7

feedback makes sure the body stays within safe limits
If there is a disruption of feedback then this causes disruption and illness

Question 8

Glands: pituitary gland

Answer 8

controls many bodily functions- controlled by the hypothalamus:
- master gland
- located in the brain
ACTH- responding to stress
Oxytocin- ‘love hormone’, affection, lowers stress/anxiety, positive memories, orgasm

Question 9

Glands: adrenal glands

Answer 9

adrenal cortex: necessary to live- cortisol
adrenal medulla: not necessary to live- adrenaline/noradrenaline

Question 10

Glands: reproductive glands (ovaries)

Answer 10

egg production, oestrogen and progesterone
progesterone: threat and social responsiveness

Question 11

Glands: reproductive glands (testes)

Answer 11

controlled by hypothalamus and pituitary gland
Testosterone: male characteristics, sex drive, muscle size/strength, bone density