AP Psychology Unit 3 Section: Functions of the Endocrine System

Endocrine system

system that releases chemicals into the bloodstream to help control physiological functioning (endocrine and nervous system use the process of homeostasis to regulate the body)

Hypothalamus

region of the brain that serves as the main control center for the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system (The hypothalamus alerts the pituitary gland to initiate hormone production)

Endocrine gland

organ or group of cells that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream

Homeostasis

the ability of a system or living organism to adjust its internal environment in order to maintain equilibrium

Pituitary gland

endocrine gland found in the forebrain that controls all other endocrine glands and assists in regulating growth (“master gland” of the endocrine system)

Hormone

chemical substance produced and released by endocrine glands to help regulate bodily functions (ex: thyroxine is a common hormone produced by the thyroid gland)

What does the endocrine system regulate?

Mood, metabolism, development, reproduction

What does the hypothalamus do?

Regulates internal environment in response to external world

Regulates various physiological and emotional reactions

Sends alerts from brain to pituitary gland

How does the endocrine gland control when we get tired?

the pineal gland receives a signal from the brain to produce more melatonin, making us sleepy

Where is the pineal gland located? What does it do?

located in the brain, above the cerebellum

“Internal clock” that controls sleep and waking cycles

Where is the thyroid gland located? What does it do?

Located in the neck

Regulates metabolism, body heat production, bone growth

Where are the adrenal glands located? What do they do?

Located above each kidney

Regulate salt and water levels and control the stress response

Where are the reproductive glands (gonads) located for males and females? What do they do?

Males: testes and Females: ovaries

Affect sperm and egg formation

Stimulate the development of sex characteristics and control reproductive cycles

What does the parathyroid do?

regulates blood-calcium levels

What does the thymus gland do?

regulates development of the immune system

What does the pancreas do?

regulates blood-sugar levels

What does the endocrine system use to communicate? How?

the bloodstream. it carries specific hormones to specific places in the body to perform specific functions

How do hormones communicate?

Hormones bind to other hormones

Hormone receptor

receptor protein on the surface or interior of a cell that binds to a specific hormone

Name the similarities between nervous system and endocrine communication

• Both hormones and neurons communicate by attaching to specific protein receptors in cells

  • Causes changes to occur within a cell, initiating specific functions

  • Like a lock and key

• Both use chemical messengers for internal communication

• Both receive communication commands from the hypothalamus

• Both maintain balance through homeostasis

What is homeostasis?

The ability of a living organism to adjust its internal environment in order to maintain equilibrium

Name the differences between nervous system and endocrine communication

Nervous System

• Regulates the endocrine system

• Emits electrical and chemical signals

• Fast communication between cells

• Chemical effect is short lived

Endocrine System

• Regulated by the nervous system

• Emits only chemical signals 

• Slow communication between cells

• Chemical effect can be long lasting

• Can spread all over the body to affect many organs

What determines whether a chemical is a neurotransmitter or a hormone? Differentiate between them.

the release point of the chemical messenger

If released at the synapse point, it is a neurotransmitter

If released into the bloodstream, it is a hormone

Epinephrine and Norepinephrine: What are they known as? What is it released by? What body functions does it influence? What are its emotional connections?

• Known as stress hormones 

• Released by the adrenal glands

• Influence:

  • Heart functioning 

  • Lung functioning

  • Nervous system

  • Blood sugar regulation 

• Emotional connections: 

  • Excitement

  • Fear

  • Anxiety 

Cortisol: What is it known as? What is it released by? What body functions does it influence? What are its emotional connections?

• Known as a major stress hormone

• Released by the adrenal glands

• Influences:

  • Blood sugar regulation 

  • Immune system functioning

  • Metabolism

  • Blood pressure regulation

  • Muscle and bone formation

  • Salt and water balance

  • Sleep patterns

• Emotional connections:

  • Happiness

  • Anger (heightened levels)

  • Excitement

  • Fear

  • Sadness (decreased levels)

  • Anxiety 

  • Negative correlation between laughter and cortisol levels

Growth Hormone (GH): What is it released by? What body functions does it influence?

• Released by the pituitary gland

• Influence:

  • Muscle growth

  • Bone formation

  • Immune functioning 

Indulin: What is it released by? What body functions does it influence?

• Released by the pancreas

• Influence:

  • Blood sugar regulation

  • Metabolism 

  • Physical activity level

Thyroid hormones: What is it released by? What body functions does it influence?

• Released by the thyroid glands

• Influence:

  • Metabolism

  • Protein production

  • Bone growth

  • Immune functioning

  • Sleep patterns

  • Physical activity level

What are the two main sex hormones? What do both of them influence? What emotional connections do they have?

Testosterone and Estrogen

Influences

• Reproduction, muscle and bone formation

• Sexual motivation

• Assertive behavior

• Physical activity level

• Sleep patterns

• Cognitive ability

Emotional Connections

• Anxiety, anger, excitement, happiness, and sadness

• High levels of testosterone: anger, irritability, frustration, and excitement

• Low levels of estrogen: despair and depression

Testosterone: What organs release it? What does it do?

• Released by testes and ovaries 

• Initiates development of male sex characteristics

Estrogen: What organs release it? What does it do?

• Released by the ovaries 

• Initiates development of female sex characteristics 

• Main function: development of reproductive organs

Name the physical influences of hormone imbalances

• Diabetes (insulin)

• Allergies (cortisol)

• Growth disorders (too much/little growth hormone)

• High blood pressure (cortisol, growth hormone, norepinephrine)

• Arthritis/osteoporosis (adrenal hormones, and testosterone)

• Weight gain (cortisol, thyroid hormones)

Name the behavioral influences of hormone imbalances

• ADHD

• Delinquent behaviors

• Family conflicts

• Psychiatric disorders