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Chapter 3 Section 3
The Endocrine System
Obj: Identify the hormones secreted by the major glands of the endocrine system and
the role each one plays.
Hormones and Effect on the Body
The endocrine system consists of glands that secrete hormones. Hormones stimulate
reactions. Psychologists study hormones because they affect behavior and
emotional reactions.
• Pituitary Gland – responsible for the secretion of many different hormones that
affect various aspects of behavior such as the growth hormone.
• Thyroid Gland – produces thyroxin which affects the body’s metabolism – it’s rate of
converting food to energy.
• Adrenal Gland – the outer layer of the adrenal gland, or cortex, secretes cortical
steroids which increase resistance to stress and promote muscle development. They
also release adrenaline and noradrenaline.
• Testes and Ovaries – produce the hormones testosterone, estrogen, and
progesterone that play an important role in development, development of primary
and secondary sex characteristics and have psychological as well as biological
effects.
• Testosterone – male sex hormone, although females have small amounts of it. It is
kind of steroid…affecting muscle mass, etc. It also stimulates the sex drive and
raises self-esteem.
• Estrogen and Progesterone – female sex hormones, although low levels are found
in men. Together, they regulate the menstrual cycle. Changes in levels have been
linked to PMS.