1. 1 Psychology 304: Brain and Behaviour Lecture 18

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

3. 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. 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. 5 Milk Letdown Reflex

6. 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. 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. 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. 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. 10 Testosterone  Released by the testes.  Associated with the development of male primary and secondary sexual characteristics and sperm production.

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