Unit 2

• Epigenetic: environmental pressures change the activity of genes.

  Can include:

  1. Metabolic processes and behaviors
  2. Can be passed to the next generation
• Polygenic: Many genes. If a behavior or trait was caused by genes, it is likely to be caused by many genes.
• Diathesis: related psychological disorders; many disorders might have a genetic predisposition with an environmental trigger.
• Maturationism: related to development; all children follow the same pattern, sit up, crawl, walk. This is genetic. When they do this it is influenced by environment.
• Plasticity: the ability of the brain to change and adapt to new experiences and learning on a cellular level after environmental pressures.
• Endocrine system: A system of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.
• Hypothalamus: A small structure in the brain that controls the endocrine system and the pituitary gland.
• Pituitary gland: A small gland located at the base of the brain. It helps regulate and communicate with other endocrine glands.
• Concept: glands are centers for information. They send out and receive hormonal messengers from all over the body.
• Pineal gland: produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and wake cycles. Controls the body's internal 24-clock.

  1. Digestive system
  2. Wake/cycle
• Thyroid gland: produces thyroxine, regulates metabolism
• Adrenal gland: A pair of glands located above the kidneys that produce hormones that prepare the body for stress and crisis.
• Pancreas: a large gland behind the stomach which secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum. Embedded in the pancreas are the islets of Langerhans, which secrete into the blood the hormones insulin and glucagon.

  Helps get energy from food.
• Ovary: A glandular organ that produces ova (eggs), estrogen, and progesterone.
• Testes: Produce sperm and testosterone.
• Endocrine system:

  1. Hormones talk to glands
  2. Neurotransmitters can fit into the receptor sites of glands

  Nervous system:

  1. Neurotransmitters talk to neurons
  2. Hormones can fit into the receptor sites of neurons

  The two systems are constantly in communication with each other.
• Adrenaline: fight or flight; beneficial in short burts
• Oxytocin: Us Vs Them theory: Oxytocin is released when a mother is breastfeeding and is released when a mother is comforting her baby
• Cortisol: Stress hormone, like adrenaline helps the body with threats
• Testosterone: A hormone that is produced in the testes and is responsible for the development of male characteristics. Also involved in sexual arousal and competition (not aggression).
• Estrogen(s): Female sex hormone which regulates menstruation and ovulation. Plays a role in female secondary sexual characteristics such as breast growth and widening of hips. category of hormones involved in reproduction, sexual desire.
• Leptin: A hormone secreted by adipose tissue that inhibits hunger. Keeps you Lean!
• Grelin: a hormone that stimulates hunger and appetite. Tummy goes grrrr!
• Melatonin: A hormone that is released by the pineal gland and regulates sleep and wake cycles.