Summary Biopsychology Endocrine system and fight or flight notes (AQA)

The endocrine system: instructs glands to release hormones directly into the
bloodstream, using blood vessels to deliver hormones to their target organs.
Pituitary gland controls release of hormones from all other endocrine glands.
Various glands produce hormones - hormones are chemical substances that
circulate the bloodstream and affect any cell in the body that has a receptor
for that particular hormone.
Function of glands and hormones:
The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland.
Pituitary gland: also releases ACTH during the stress response and oxytocin
during childbirth.
Adrenal gland releases adrenaline in fight or flight response.
Thyroid gland produces thyroxine which controls the rate of metabolism.
Ovary produces oestrogen which helps control the menstrual cycle
Testes produces testosterone which stimulates sperm production


Fight or flight (both nervous and endocrine system):
- Endocrine system and autonomic nervous system work together during
a stressful event. When a stressor is perceived, the hypothalamus
activates the pituitary gland triggering activity in the sympathetic branch
of the autonomic nervous system. The ANS changes from
parasympathetic state to the sympathetic state. Adrenaline is released
from the adrenal gland into the blood stream which creates the
physiological response fight or flight, this could include eyes dilating or
increased heart rate. Once the threat has passed the body then returns
to the parasympathetic state, this acts a ‘brake’ to the sympathetic
state.