Endocrine System

• (AO1) Define a hormone and a gland

  Hormone = chemical substance that helps to regulate processes in the body. Hormones are secreted by glands to travel to their target organs in the bloodstream (different hormones produce different effects or behaviours)

  
  

  Gland = an organ which facilitates the release of hormones, affecting behaviour.
• (AO1) Define the endocrine system

  Works alongside the nervous system. It is a network of glands across the body that secrete chemical messages called hormones. It uses blood vessels to transmit information.

  
  

  ONLY TALK ABOUT 4 IN EXAM (HAVE TO MENTION MASTER/PINEAL GLAND)
• (AO1) Explain the effect of the hypothalamus

  Stimulates and controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland
• (AO1) State the hormones released by the pituitary gland (master gland) and their effects

  Main hormone = anterior = ACTH

  Effects = stimulates the adrenal cortex and the release of cortisol during the stress response.

  Second hormone = posterior = oxytocin

  Effect = responsible for uterus contractions during childbirth & milk let down
• (AO1) State the hormone released by the pineal gland and its effect

  Main hormone = melatonin

  Effect = responsible for important biological rhythms, including the sleep-wake cycle
• (AO1) State the hormone released by the thyroid gland and its effect

  Main hormone = thyroxine

  Effect = responsible for regulating metabolism
• (AO1) State the hormones released by the adrenal gland and its effects

  Main hormone = adrenal medulla = adrenaline + noradrenaline

  Effect = key hormones in the fight or flight response

  Second main hormone = adrenal cortex = cortisol

  Effect = stimulates the release of glucose to provide body with energy, suppressing the immune system.
• (AO1) State the hormone released by the ovaries and its effect

  Main hormone = oestrogen

  Effect = controls the regulation of the female reproductive system, including menstrual cycle + pregnancy
• (AO1) State the hormone released by the testes and its effect

  Main hormone = testosterone

  Effect = responsible for the development of male sex characteristics during puberty + promoting muscle growth
• (AO1) Complete the diagram attached

  Diagram:

  A) Pineal Gland

  B) Testicles

  C) Ovary

  D) Hypothalamus

  E) Pituitary gland

  F) Thyroid gland

  G) Adrenal gland

  
• (AO3) Research support 


  Point: Research highlights the role of hormones in behaviour, with implications for treatment & management.

  
  

  Evidence 1: Artificially increasing oxytocin in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) has calming effects, reducing negative thoughts about food & body image, aiding those with a debilitating & dificult-to-treat condition.

  
  

  Evidence 2: Dabbs et al found higher testosterone levels were linked to those who had ben convicted of DV.

  
  

  Evaluate 1: Findings improve quality of life by informing treatment for AN and risk assessments in the judicial system.

  
  

  Evaluate 2: They also suggest that hormonal influences on behaviour may reduce personal blame, shifting focus to biological explanations.
• (AO3) L - Cause & Effect

  Point: Difficulty in establishing cause & effect - which ones comes first?

  
  

  Evidence: Hormone levels may be result of behaviour rather than the cause. e.g. acting violently could increase testosterone rather than testosterone causing aggression.

  
  

  Evaluate: This challenges biological explanations, as the true cause of behaviour might be overlooked. E.g. Aggression could be more influenced by personality traits than just endocrine factors alone.
• (AO3) L - Reductionism

  Point: The endocrine system provides a reductionist explanation of behaviour, focuses solely on biological influences, ignoring other factors.

  
  

  Evidence: Psychological explanations range from low-level (biological reductionism), to mid-level (cognitive/behavioural) and high-level (holistic/humanistic).

  
  

  Evaluate: A purely biological view may oversimplify behaviour, overlooking other valid influences. A more holistic perspective, integrating biological, psychological and environmental factors, may provide a more complete understanding of behaviour.