Endocrine system

• Function -

  • chemical system of communication within blood stream to regulate activity of cells and organs
  • slower then the NS but effects are more powerful
  • hormones released by glands to regulate bodily functions
• Pineal gland -

  Secretes melatonin which is involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle by making the person feel tired - triggered by darkness
• Adrenal gland -

  Releases adrenaline which causes physiological changes involved in the fight or flight response such as increased blood flow to transport oxygen to the brain.
• Pituitary gland- master gland

  Ovaries - Anterior pituitary gland releases LH and FSH which encourages ovaries to produce oestrogen and progesterone - regulating menstrual cycle

  Testes - Anterior pituitary gland releases LH and FSH which encourages the release of testosterone - regulates sperm production
• Fight or flight:

  > A stressor is identified by the hypothalamus, activating the pituitary gland which triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the nervous system

  > Adrenaline is released by the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream

  > Fight or flight response is produced, producing physiological reactions eg. increased heartrate and blood pressure - immediate and automatic

  > Parasympathetic branch returns body back to homeostasis
• Direct effect of adrenaline: increases heart rate and blood pressure. increasing blood flow to the brain and skeletal muscles.

  Indirect effect of adrenaline: prepares body for action - fight or flight. Increase oxygen to brain for rapid response planning.
• Fight or flight AO3

  :( Gender (beta) bias - tend and befriend

  :( Not limited to 2 responses - freeze response