1. The Endocrine System
EQ: What are the parts and purposes of the Endocrine System and how do they relate to psychology?

2. I. What is the Endocrine System?
The endocrine system is a series of glands that are placed in various parts of the body
These glands produce hormones which help to regulate certain processes and psychological aspects within the body
These glands work in tandem with the circulatory and nervous systems

3. II. What is Purpose of the Endocrine System?
The main purpose of the Endocrine System is to main homeostasis within the body at all times
To do this, the Endocrine System must constantly release different types of hormones in order to trigger certain functions within the body
These functions allow us to not only live, but also to enjoy certain aspects of life

4. III. What are the Parts of the Endocrine System and what are their functions?
The Endocrine system is generally divided into three parts based on where the glands reside within the body
The three areas of the body that house the endocrine system are…
-Head and Neck
-Upper Torso
-Lower Torso

5. A. Head and Neck: Hypothalamus
The Hypothalamus is a small clump of cells located in the brain
The Hypothalamus is responsible for linking the endocrine system with the nervous system

6. A. Head and Neck: Pituitary Gland
The Pituitary Gland is located in the skull just behind the nose
The Pituitary Gland releases hormones that effect growth, sexual development, human reproduction and metabolism

7. A. Head and Neck: Pineal Gland
The Pineal Gland has several very important functions
The most important of these is the production of Melatonin which regulates sleep
A lack of melatonin can cause a person to have difficulty sleeping

8. A. Head and Neck: Thyroid Gland
The Thyroid Gland is located behind the Adams Apple
The Thyroid’s main function is to produce energy from digested nutrients within the body
An overactive/underactive thyroid can cause extreme weight loss or gain

9. B. Upper Torso
The Thymus regulates the production of T-Cells that are involved within the immune system
These T-Cells protect us from viruses and bacteria

10. C. Lower Torso: Ovaries
In females, Ovaries produce the most important female hormone Estrogen
Ovaries also produce the female’s eggs that are requires to reproduce

11. C. Lower Torso: Testicles (Testes)
Instead of Ovaries, males have Testicles which produce Testosterone
The Testes also produce sperm which is required for human reproduction

12. C. Lower Torso: Uterus Females have a Uterus
The purpose of this organ is to give a place for the human embryo to develop before birth

13. C. Lower Torso: Pancreas
The Pancreas’ primary role in the Endocrine System is to regulate blood sugar
To do this, the Pancreas creates Insulin and Glucagon throughout the day based on the food we eat
A diabetic person has a problem with their production of insulin