Hormone Notes

The information in these notes may be used to explain the principle of how hormones effect behavior, but be aware that we are considering hormones from the perspective of how they influence behavior rather than from a biological perspective, which means that this information is biased.

The endocrine system:

The endocrine system consists of a number of ductless glands scattered throughout the body that secrete chemicals into the bloodstream called hormones (from the Greek hormon meaning to excite). More than fifty different hormones may be circulating through the body at any one time, and these are secreted from a number of organs, including the thyroid, thymus, adrenal glands and the gonads, which include the testes and ovaries.

Pituitary Gland:
All of these organs are under the chemical control of a pea-sized gland located on the underside of the brain called the pituitary gland. Although the pituitary gland weighs only about 0.5 g, it is often regarded as the master gland of the body as it secretes at least nine different hormones that have far-reaching effects on a wide range of bodily activities. The pituitary gland is itself under the control of the hypothalamus to which it is attached by a thin piece of tissue. In fact, the pituitary consists of two glands: the anterior pituitary (or adenohypophysis), which is connected to the hypothalamus via a complex series of blood vessels, and the posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis), which receives neural connections from the hypothalamus. The release of hormones from the anterior pituitary is stimulated, or inhibited, by the secretion of releasing factors from the hypothalamus, such as adrenocorticotropin- releasing factor (CRF) and growth hormone releasing factor (GHRF). In response to releasing factors, the glandular cells of the anterior pituitary secrete a number of tropic hormones into the bloodstream (a tropic hormone is one which stimulates other endocrine glands to release their hormones). These include: adrenocorticotropic hor- mone (ACTH) which acts on the adrenal glands; thyroid-stimulating hormone which affects the thyroid gland; prolactin which acts on the mammary glands; and follicle- stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone which work on the ovaries and testes. Another substance secreted by the anterior pituitary is growth hormone, which acts on most tissues throughout the body. I n contrast, the posterior pituitary gland stores and releases just two hormones: antidiuretic hormone (or vasopressin) involved in conserv- ing body water, and oxytocin (involved in pregnancy).
IB Psychology / BLOA / Hormones and Behaviour Notes / Patricia George / November, 2012

The control of hormonal release by the pituitary gland works predominantly on the basis of negative feedback. That is, when blood levels of a given hormone (say cortisol) begin to rise, the pituitary gland will detect this change and act to decrease the output of its controlling tropic hormone (ACTH). In practice things are generally more complex than this as the hypothalamus (and in some instances other brain regions) will also receive feedback about hormone levels and their effects on the body. Thus, the hypothalamus will also inhibit secretion of its releasing factors thereby helping to regulate the pituitary glands response to increasing hormone levels. Indeed, the combination of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland working together means that the control exerted over hormone secretion is complex and finely tuned. The organs that make up the human endocrine system, such as the anterior pituitary gland, the adrenal glands, and the pancreas, synthesize and secrete specific hormones. In addition, many endocrine glands, such as the thyroid gland, ovaries, and testes, are discrete, readily recognizable organs with defined borders and endocrine functions. Other glands are embedded within structures; for example, the islets of Langerhans are embedded within the pancreas and may be seen clearly only under the microscope.
Video: Endocrine system how it works (3 minutes): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI2qYRWzSZ4&feature=fvwrel For reference and information: Inner Body the Endocrine System: http://www.innerbody.com/image/endoov.html

Extension Work:

Video: Top ten glands, top ten hormones (13 minutes): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S_vQZDH9hY Tutorial: Endocrine System Interactive: http://www.interactivephysiology.com/login/endodemo/systems/systems/endocrine/inde x.html Activities: Biology Web Links for Endocrine System: http://nhscience.lonestar.edu/biol/ap1int.htm#endocrine

References:
Law et al. (2010) Psychology for IB Diploma: Pearson Publishers, pages 54-58 Encyclopaedia Britannica: Human Endocrine System: Accessed November, 2012
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/186893/human-endocrinesystem/272457/Endocrine-hyperfunction

IB Psychology / BLOA / Hormones and Behaviour Notes / Patricia George / November, 2012