1

Heredity and Hormones BEH/225 Sandra Gifford September 13, 2012 Instructor, Dr. Carol Fishback

Heredity and Hormones Many things effect human behavior, yet the most discussed are heredity and hormones. Heredity are best, described as the genes that we acquire from our parents. The genes we end up with are not of our choosing, but ones we inherit when our life is, created. Heredity is a major factor in how we behave, look, or even determine mental illness. However, even though one may have inherited the genes too mental illness or to a disease, it does not necessarily mean that one will actually develop the mental illness or disease. Hormones have a major impact on us they control and are responsible for many functions. These functions include development, sexual desire, reproduction, growth, and metabolism. Hormones control these many things within our bodies and they are, released through the endocrine system. The endocrine system produces hormones by way of the endocrine glands. These glands consist of the pineal, the adrenal, the thyroid, the pituitary, the parathyroid, the pancreas, ovaries in women, and the testes in men. Each of these glands has a purpose in the body in the control of ones behavior. The pineal gland produces many important hormones including melatonin. Melatonin influences, sexual development and sleep-wake cycles. The adrenal gland releases hormones in conjunction with stress, through corticosteroids such as cortisol. The adrenal gland also affects kidney function. The thyroid gland regulates the bodys metabolism and calcium balance. The hormone levels secreted by the thyroid are,

Heredity and Hormones controlled by the pituitary glands thyroid-stimulating hormone. The results of an over active thyroid gland can produce insomnia, fatigue, agitation, and excitability. This brings us to the pituitary gland which is often known as the master gland as it controls many hormone functions. These functions consist of thyroid activity, childhood growth, temperature, urine production, testosterone production in males, and ovulation and estrogen production in females. The parathyroid gland regulates calcium like the thyroid, but it also controls the production of the active form of Vitamin D in the kidneys. The pancreas produces insulin which controls the amount of glucose in our bloodstream. Lastly are the ovaries and the testes the ovaries produce sexual hormones, like estrogen, progesterone, and very small amounts of androgens. The testes produce hormone secretions testosterone and spermatogenesis. Evolutionary psychology explains human behavior and, how certain traits evolve over time. This is due to things that have happened repeatedly throughout the evolution of humans. It is the belief that human nature and human behavior is an adaptation in the human mind due to constant environmental influences.

References: Endocrinology Health Guide, Retrieved September 12, 2012 from http://www.umm/endocrine/tygland.htm Morris, C., & Maisto, A (2005) psychology : An Introduction (12th ed.). Retrieved September 12, 2012 from the University of Phoenix News Medical, Retrieved September 13, 2012 from http://www.NewsMedical.net/health/what--does-the-Adrenal-Gland- Do.aspx Bailey, R., about.com Retrieved September 13, 2012 from http://biology.about.com/od/anatomy/p/pineal-gland.htm