How Do Hormones Influence Brain and Behavior?

A set of flashcards covering key concepts related to hormones, stress responses, and their impact on behavior and brain function.

What is the role of the hypothalamus in hormonal control?

The hypothalamus produces neurohormones to stimulate the pituitary gland.

What do the pituitary gland secretes to influence target endocrine glands?

The pituitary gland secretes releasing hormones.

What are steroid hormones synthesized from?

Steroid hormones are fat-soluble chemical messengers synthesized from cholesterol.

What causes diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is caused by a failure of the pancreas to secrete enough insulin.

What is the definition of a stressor?

A stressor is a stimulus that challenges the body’s homeostasis and triggers arousal.

What physiological systems are involved in fast-acting and slow-acting stress responses?

The fast-acting system involves the autonomic nervous system, while the slow-acting system involves the pituitary gland and the release of cortisol.

What is the General Adaptation Syndrome?

The General Adaptation Syndrome describes the body's physiological responses to stress: Alarm Stage, Resistance Stage, and Exhaustion Stage.

What happens during the alarm stage of stress?

The body responds to immediate stressors, activating the fight-or-flight response.

How does the brain respond to prolonged stress?

Prolonged stress can lead to changes in the hippocampus, decreasing its ability to shut off cortisol secretion.

What effect does chronic stress have on the brain's neurons?

Chronic stress can destroy neurons in the hippocampus, leading to fewer neurons and decreased regulation of cortisol.