BBB - The Endocrine System Lesson
Learning Target:
- Discuss the effect of the endocrine system.
AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2020. (n.d.). https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-psychology-course-and-exam-description.pdf
Endocrine System
The endocrine system is made up of glands that secrete hormones (chemical messages that transmit information into the bloodstream by endocrine glands) throughout the body. These chemical messages are transmitted from one area to another in a similar fashion to neurotransmitters in the nervous system. The endocrine system interacts with the nervous system in several ways.
Hormones circulate in the bloodstream until they reach specific hormone receptors. They regulate physiological processes and influence behavior in a variety of ways. Sexual reproduction, growth, and metabolism are just a few of the ways our bodies are influenced by hormones. Communication by hormones in the endocrine system is much slower than communication in the nervous system because they travel by blood through the body. While messages in the nervous system are communicated in milliseconds messages being sent through the endocrine system may take minutes, hours, or even weeks.
Major Glands and Their Functions
The hypothalamus (an area in the forebrain responsible for both the autonomic nervous system and the pituitary gland) is a structure in the brain responsible for triggering the secretion of hormones. It is also the main link between the endocrine and nervous systems. The hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to regulate the production of hormones. The pituitary gland, often called the "master gland", regulates the production of growth hormones and other endocrine glands.
The pineal gland is in the center of the brain and is responsible for the production of melatonin. Melatonin is involved in feelings of sleep and wakefulness.
The thyroid gland controls how quickly the body burns energy, makes protein, and is sensitive to other hormones. The parathyroid consists of four small glands within the thyroid that are responsible for adjusting calcium in the blood. The thymus produces thymosin which is responsible for aiding in the development of the immune system.
The adrenal glands arouse the body in times of stress. They are located just above the kidneys and are of particular interest to psychologists as they trigger the flight or fight responses. The adrenal glands consist of the adrenal cortex, which is the outer region that interacts with the immune system, and the adrenal medulla or inner region which releases epinephrine and norepinephrine.
The pancreatic gland regulates levels of sugar in the blood. They release insulin and glucagon, which are two opposing hormones that control sugar levels.
Gonads or sex organs influence both emotional and physical development. For women, the sex organs consist of the ovaries, and for men the testes. The male testes secrete sex hormones called androgens, the most important being testosterone. Females also secrete testosterone along with the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Sexual development at conception is affected by these important hormones. They are also involved in the development of secondary sexual characteristics during adolescence.
Complete the Endocrine System Questions activity below.
Prior to moving on to the next sections in this module The Endocrine System and The Brain please take a moment to review this Crash Course video on The Nervous System.
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