1 Psychology 304: Brain and Behaviour Lecture 18

2 The Endocrine System 1.What are some of the major hormones released by the endocrine glands?

3 By the end of today’s class, you should be able to: 1. identify hormones released by distinct endocrine glands and their functions.

4 What are some of the major hormones released by the endocrine glands? Among the hormones released by the endocrine glands are the following: Oxytocin  Released by the posterior pituitary.  Associated with the milk letdown reflex, uterine contractions, sexual response, bonding, and parental behaviour.

5 Milk Letdown Reflex

6 Vasopressin  Released by the posterior pituitary.  Inhibits urine formation, allowing for water conservation. Growth Hormone or Somatotropin  Released by the anterior pituitary.  Regulates growth of tissue and bone, stimulates immune system.

7 Cortisol  Released by adrenal cortex.  Increases levels of blood glucose, accelerates protein metabolism, produces anti-imflammatory effect. Thyroxine  Released by the thyroid gland.  Influences metabolic rate, increases alertness, associated with reflexes.

8 Melatonin  Released by pineal gland.  Associated with maintenance of biological or circadian rhythms. Antioxidant effects. Ephinephrine, Norephinephrine  Released by the adrenal medulla.  Prepare the body for “flight or fight”, under direct control of sympathetic neurons.

9 Estradiol  Released by the ovaries.  Associated with the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, stimulates secretion of FSH and LH associated with ovulation, assists in the maintenance of pregnancy.

10 Testosterone  Released by the testes.  Associated with the development of male primary and secondary sexual characteristics and sperm production.

11 The Endocrine System 1.What are some of the major hormones released by the endocrine glands?