Endocrine System - AP Psychology

Also known as the "starvation hormone", leptin signals the hypothalamus that the body has enough fat stored to function normally. When leptin levels are high enough, appetite is inhibited. When leptin levels are low, it indicates that we need to consume more food and appetite increases.

Cortisol is released by the adrenal cortex, which is controlled by the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary. The hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone, triggering the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary gland. ACTH stimulates the release of cortisol. Cortisol is released when the body is under long-term stress, such as malnutrition, dehydration, or prolonged mental stress.

The pineal gland secretes serotonin by day and converts it to melatonin at night. These chemicals affect mood, anxiety, and sleep. The pineal gland may also play a role in seasonal affective disorder, in which people are depressed during the darker days of winter. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drug that work to elevate mood by blocking the cells that breakdown serotonin, leaving it in the synapses of the nervous system for a longer period of time.

Dopamine has a neuromuscular function, as an absence is associated with Parkinson's disease. Norepinephrine has a stimulatory effect. Acetylcholine stimulates muscle cells to contract. Endorphins are the body's natural pain relievers.

Epinephrine, also called adrenaline, is a hormone that activates the sympathetic nervous system. This triggers our "fight or flight" response, which increases heart rate, dilates the pupil, increases blood flow to skeletal muscle, and reduces digestive and reproductive activity.

The endocrine system is a system of glands that secretes hormones into the circulatory system. These hormones are directed to organs that control growth and development, reproduction, and body metabolism. It is a system that links the brain to these organs.

The endocrine system is a system of glands that secretes hormones into the circulatory system. These glands include the ovaries and testes, the pituitary gland, the thyroid, and pineal glands and many others, all of which control growth and development, reproduction, and body metabolism.

The endocrine system is a system of glands that secretes hormones into the circulatory system. These hormones are directed at organs that control growth and development, reproduction, and body metabolism. The glands that are not included, and therefore are not controlled by the endocrine system, are all of the exocrine glands. Exocrine glands include glands within the gastrointestinal tract, salivary, and sweat glands.

The endocrine system, in tandem with the central nervous system and immune system, plays a central role in maintaining a state of homeostasis throughout the body. Diseases of the endocrine system are, however, common and include diseases of the thyroid and diabetes mellitus.

The thymus, located in the chest, is primarily responsible for secreting hormones involved with healthy immune system development. This development happens during puberty and continues afterwards.

The ovaries, an essential part of the female reproductive system, are responsible for producing estrogen and progesterone.

The pituitary gland is considered the "master gland" of the endocrine system. Hormones secreted from the pituitary gland help regulate growth, metabolism, and numerous other bodily functions and processes. The medulla oblongata is the part of the brainstem located just above the spinal chord.

The hypothalamus is responsible for control of hunger, thirst, body temperature, and the endocrine system. A person experiencing issues associated with the expression and regulation of the endocrine system would most likely have an issue associated with their hypothalamus.

The pituitary gland activates other glands in the endocrine system by releasing hormones. It also releases hormones that are resonsible for growth; sometimes the pituitary gland is known as the "master gland".

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that helps the brain retain newly learned information. It also aids in the control of the heart’s beat rate.

Hyperthyroidism also causes a reduced attention span and can lead to long-term neurological problems, and is typically treated with medication and (when necessary) surgical intervention. Hyperthyrodism can often result in a loss of necessary body weight, as opposed to weight gain. Hypothyrodism can result in weight gain.

Hormones are chemical messengers that are secreted by endocrine glands. These messengers may be lipophilic or hydrophilic (nonpolar or polar molecules, respectively). Hormones are stable enough to travel great distances without being degraded in the body. Because of their ability to travel great distances on occasion, they are target specific. That is, for example, a hormone may have its receptor at only one target tissue location. This specificity prevents the presence of the hormone from unintentionally activating or inhibiting processes on its journey throughout the body.

The adrenal glands, which lie on top of the kidneys, are responsible for releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine—both hormones that are present in the "fight or flight" response. These hormones are responsible for the increase in blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate. In a simpler sense, they help produce the means and conditions necessary to generate a surge of energy for quick expenditure in times of impending peril.

The pituitary gland is also known as the “master gland” and is controlled by the hypothalamus. It is a crucial component of the endocrine system. The pituitary gland is responsible for the release of growth hormone, which stimulates physical development. It also releases oxytocin, allowing for contractions during birth and milk flow for nursing. The pituitary secretes oxytocin during pair-bonding interactions; therefore, the pituitary gland also plays an important role in the development of group cohesion and social trust. Last, the pituitary gland is also known to give secretions that will stimulate the release of hormones in other endocrine glands.

Alzheimer's disease is cause by low levels of Acetylcholine in some parts of the brain. This neurotransmitter is responsible for alertness, aggression, and other emotions.