Endocrine & Neuroplasticity

• Pituitary gland (master gland) -

  1. Anterior pituitary releases ACTH, follicle stimulating hormone. Stimulates adrenal glands to produce cortisol.
  2. Posterior releases oxytocin - stimulates contraction in uterus for childbirth.
• Pineal gland releases melatonin, vasopressin (ADH). Responds to darkness, timing of circadian rhythm. Regulates sodium level and water balance.
• Thyroid gland - thyroxine regulates metabolism
• Adrenal gland

  1. Outer adrenal cortex - necessary for life / glucose for survival
  2. Adrenal medula - fight or flight, not so necessary anymore
• Ovaries - oestrogen for the menstrual cycle, heightened sensitivity to social issues / situations.
• Testes - testosterone, produce sperm, facial hair growth etc.
• Kuhn (2014) got participants to play Super Mario for at least 30 minutes per day over a 2 month period. They then compared their brain development to a control group. Significant differences in grey matter in cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum.
• Davidson et al studied Tibetan monks - higher levels of gamma waves (coordinates neuron activity)