Hormones, Pheromones, and Human Behavior

Flashcards covering key concepts related to hormones, pheromones, and their influence on human behavior.

What are hormones?

Chemicals that influence how we think, feel, and act, produced by endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream.

How do hormones differ from neurotransmitters?

Hormones are released into the bloodstream to reach their target cells, while neurotransmitters communicate along nervous cells.

What roles do hormones play in human behavior?

Hormones influence metabolism, sleep/wake cycles, reproductive activities, and mood.

What is oxytocin and its primary functions?

Produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, oxytocin plays a role in sexual reproduction, childbirth, social bonding, trust, affection, and cooperation.

What are pheromones?

Chemical messengers released by the body that affect other members of the same species, impacting physical and emotional behaviors.

Where are human pheromones produced?

In the apocrine glands found in the armpits of both males and females.

What is the significance of pheromones in animals?

They can carry messages like warning others of predators and signaling sexual readiness.

What is the interpersonal difference between hormonal and neural regulation?

The degree of voluntary control over neural regulation is higher than over hormonal regulation.