The endocrine system

• The endocrine system- an information system that instructs glands to release hormones into the blood stream then to target organs with cells that have specific receptors
• The endocrine system works slower then the nervous system but more wide spread
• Fight or flight response

  1. perception of stressor

  2. Hypothalamus activates pituitary gland, triggering

  activity of sympathetic nervous system

  3. ANS changes from resting state (Parasympathetic) to physiologically

  aroused (sympathetic)

  4. stress hormone adrenaline released from adrenal

  gland into bloodstream

  5. Adrenaline triggers physiological changes for fighter

  flight response (increased heart rate)

  when the threat has passed parasympathetic system returns body to resting state
• Parasympathetic:

  decreases breathing rate

  decreases heart rate

  constricts pupils

  relaxes rectum

  Stimulates digestion

  Stimulates saliva
• Sympathetic:

  increases breathing rate

  dilates pupils

  increases heartrate

  contracts rectum

  inhibits digestion

  inhibits saliva