Endocrine System

• Pituitary Gland

  Often referred to as the 'master gland' because it controls the release of hormones from all other glands in the body. It is controlled by the hypothalamus.
• Adrenal Gland

  Leads to the release of adrenaline into the bloodstream. Adrenaline is important for the physiological changes involved in the fight or flight response.
• The fight or flight response

  1. A stressor in the environment is perceived.
  2. The amygdala is activated which sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus.
  3. The hypothalamus triggers the sympathetic state of the autonomic nervous system to be activated.
  4. This causes the adrenal medulla of the adrenal gland to release adrenaline into the bloodstream.
  5. This leads to a series of physiological changes in the body, providing the physiological arousal to deal with the stressor.
  6. The parasympathetic state is activated once the threat has passed.
  7. This returns the body to its resting state.