Hormones

What are hormones?

A class of chemicals that affects behavior and is secreted by glands in the endocrine system

How do hormones compare to neurotransmitters?

They are released directly into the blood stream so changes in behavior take longer to occur but last longer

Adrenaline

comes from the adrenal glands and affects arousal, fight or flight, and emotional memory formation

Cortisol

comes from adrenal glands, controls blood sugar levels, regulates metabolism, reduces inflammation, assists in memory formation

Melatonin

comes from pineal gland, signals relaxation and lower body temperatures to promote restful sleep

Neuropeptide Y

from the hypothalamus, acts as a neurotransmitter to stimulate food intake, reduce anxiety/stress, pain perception, and affects circadian rhythm

Oxytocin

From the hypothalamus and secreted by the pituitary gland, acts as a neurotransmitter to affect mother-child attachment, social bonding, and trust

Testosterone

From the testes, facilitative (not direct, but increases chances of) role in aggressive behavior

What is a Hormone Cascade?

The phenomenon of hormones triggering more hormones