HORMONES-Testosterone

Define hormones

Chemical messengers within the body which transmit their message overtime slower than neurotransmitters

How do hormones work

Bind to receptor proteins in target calls and change the cell function. Cells respond differently to different hormones

Give examples of two environmental factors that can affect hormone release

Stress

Light

Give an example of each hormone having a specific target organ

Ands secrete adrenaline and noradrenaline which are linked to the heart

What do the ovaries produce

Oestrogen and progesterone in females to control menstrual cycle etc

What hormone do testes produce

Testosterone which can be linked to aggression and sex drive

What do the thymus produce

Hormones linked to puberty

What hormone does the pineal gland produce

Melatonin linked to sleep

What does the pituitary glands produce

Growth hormones and cortisol linked to stress etc

What does the thyroid produce

Linked to metabolism

Explain the role of testosterone in aggression

It is an androgen which is responsible for maintaining male characteristics

Spatial ability and competitive aggression

Males have more exposure both pre and post natally

Evaluate hormones as an explanation for aggression

+adelson 2006 rats cortisol levels when brain area electrically stimulated

-animal study like this can’t be applied to humans accurately

+apply to reduce aggression using therapy in people with high testosterone levels

-Montoya considered brain functioning structure and also hormones so more holistic, maybe this theory is reductionist

+dabbs et al found higher levels of T in prisoners of violent crimes than those who hadn’t committed violent crimes using saliva testing