Hormones & Behaviour

Question 1

Hormones

Answer 1

Molecular substances produced by multicellular organisms that allow different parts of the body to signal and communicate with one another
* secreted by glands in the endocrine system and released into bloodstream

Question 2

Comparison between neurotransmitters and hormones (3)

Answer 2

• take longer to produce behavioural changes but have longer-lasting effects than neurotransmitters
• act only on specific target cells that have a receptor for the hormone (alter cell’s function)
• some hormones (neuropeptide Y and oxytocin) can act like neurotransmitters by targeting receptor sites in the brain

Question 3

Adrenaline (production, function, general use)

Answer 3

• secreted by adrenal glands
• responsible for arousal and “fight or flight” response
• role in emotional memory formation

Question 4

Cortisol (production, function, general use)

Answer 4

• secreted by adrenal glands
• helps control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, reduce inflammation
• assist with memory formation

Question 5

Melatoning (production, function, general use)

Answer 5

• secreted by pineal gland
• signals relaxation and lower body temperature
• help with restful sleep

Question 6

Neuropeptide Y (production, function, general use)

Answer 6

• produced by hypothalamus - acts as neurotransmitter in the brain
• stimulates food intake, reduces anxiety and stress, reduces pain perception and affects circadian rhythm
• linked to levels of resilience in high amounts

Question 7

Oxytocin (production, general use)

Answer 7

• produced by hypothalamus and secreted by pituitary fland - when affecting the brain it acts as a neurotransmitter
• role in mother-child attachment, social bonding and trust

Question 8

Testosterone (production, function)

Answer 8

• produced by testes
• facilitative role in agressive behaviour - it doesn’t cause aggression but higher levels of testosterone result in higher levels of agression

Question 9

How does cortisol affect memory?

Answer 9

• moderate levels help in consolidation and retrieval of memory
• high levels or sustained levels impair memory retrieval
  
  • can lead to hippocampal impairment