Slow moving chemicals released by specific glands in the body to regulate medium and long-term changes in the body
Chemicals secreted by glands in the endocrine system are directly released into the bloodstream
Effects last much longer than neurotransmitters
Some hormones also act as neurotransmitters (e.g. adrenaline) by targeting receptor sites on the neuron’s synaptic gap
Cortisol
Secreted by the adrenal glands
Helps control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, reduce inflammation, assist with/hinder memory formation (encoding of memories)
Released in stressful situations (alongside adrenaline)
“Fight or flight” hormone
Testosterone
Produced by the testes (males) and adrenal glands (females)
Plays a facilitative role in aggressive behaviour
Doesn’t cause aggression, but higher levels result in higher levels of aggression
Oxytocin
Produced by the hypothalamus and secreted by the pituitary gland
Acts as a neurotransmitter
Plays a role in mother-child attachment and is believed to play a role in social bonding and trust between people
Newcomer et al. (1999) conducted a study to investigate the effects of cortisol levels on declarative memory. This research provides valuable insights into how this biological factor affects memory performance.
