the endocrine system

Question 1

What is the function of the endocrine system?

Answer 1

It releases hormones from glands into the bloodstream to regulate bodily functions.

Question 2

What are hormones?

Answer 2

Chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream and affect specific target organs.

Question 3

What is the role of the adrenal gland?

Answer 3

produces adrenaline which causes physiological changes in the body. it is a vital part of the stress response system and it has a strong effect on cardiovascular cells, such as stimulating heart rate and contracting blood vessels

Question 4

sympathetic state

Answer 4

dialates pupils
heartbeat stronger and faster
relaxes airways
inhibits digestion
increased blood flow

Question 5

parasympathetic state

Answer 5

constricts pupils
heartbeats slower
constricts airways
stimulates digestion
reduced blood flow

Question 6

weakness- individual differences

Answer 6

not everyone reacts the same to stress- personality, experience and genetics all influence response. some people show freeze response while some show nothing at all. this undermines the generalisability of fight or flight

Question 7

strength- real life application

Answer 7

Understanding the stress response has practical applications- helps develop therapies like CBT that reduce physiological arousal. Techniques like breathing exercises target the sympathetic nervous system = Improves well-being by reducing chronic stress impact.

Question 8

fight or flight system

Answer 8

brain perceives a threat which triggers the hypothalamus (command centre). this activates the ANS and sympathetic nervous system- leads to adrenal medulla releasing adrenaline + noradrenaline = physiological changes. Cortisol is also released to sustain the response and parasympathetic systems helps restore homeostasis once threat subsides