Hormones and Behavior

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Questions and Answers

Hormones differ from neurotransmitters in that hormones are:

  • Secreted by neurons and have rapid, short-lived effects.
  • Secreted by endocrine glands and have slower, longer-lasting effects. (correct)
  • Involved only in motor functions, not affecting behavior.
  • Released directly into the synapse to affect adjacent neurons.

All cells in the body are capable of responding to any hormone that enters the bloodstream.

False (B)

What are the roles of cortisol during the fight or flight response?

To control blood sugar and regulate metabolism.

The hormone __________, secreted by the pineal gland, promotes relaxation, lowers body temperature, and aids sleep.

<p>melatonin</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following hormones with their primary effects:

<p>Adrenaline = Arousal, fight or flight response Oxytocin = Social bonding, trust Testosterone = Facilitates aggression Neuropeptide Y (NPY) = Stimulates food intake, reduces anxiety/stress</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key component of the hormone cascade initiated during the fight or flight response?

<p>Hypothalamus stimulating the pituitary gland, which then stimulates the adrenal glands. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Cahill & McGaugh (1995) study, administering a beta-blocker enhanced the memory of participants exposed to a traumatic story.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the aim of the Cahill & McGaugh (1995) study?

<p>To investigate the role of adrenaline and the amygdala in emotional memory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of hormone action and behavioral responses, the increased resilience observed with higher levels of ___________ highlights its important role in stress management and overall adaptability.

<p>neuropeptide Y</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher hypothesizes that artificially elevating cortisol levels in participants exposed to a stressful situation will enhance their subsequent recall of the stressful event. What is the MOST likely confounding variable that could invalidate this research?

<p>The specific allele combinations for genes involved in cortisol production in each participant, which can influence stress reactivity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Hormones

Chemicals secreted by endocrine glands that affect behavior, released into the bloodstream for slower but longer-lasting effects than neurotransmitters.

Adrenaline

Secreted by adrenal glands, prepares the body for 'fight or flight' by increasing arousal and plays a role in emotional memory formation.

Cortisol

Secreted by adrenal glands to control blood sugar, regulate metabolism, reduce inflammation, and aid memory formation.

Melatonin

Secreted by the pineal gland to promote relaxation, lower body temperature, and aid sleep.

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Neuropeptide Y (NPY)

Produced by the hypothalamus, it acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain, stimulating food intake, reducing anxiety/stress, lowering pain perception, and affecting circadian rhythm.

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Oxytocin

Produced by the hypothalamus, secreted by the pituitary gland and acts as a neurotransmitter in brain to play a role in mother-child attachment, social bonding, and trust.

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Testosterone

Produced by the testes, facilitates aggression. Higher levels are associated with increased aggression.

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Fight or Flight Response

Involves a hormone cascade initiated by the hypothalamus, leading to the release of cortisol and adrenaline, preparing the body to deal with perceived danger.

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Cahill & McGaugh (1995) Conclusion

Adrenaline and amygdala activation are crucial for the formation of emotional memories, as demonstrated by better recall in the traumatic story group.

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Pitman et al (2002) Application

Administering beta-blockers to trauma victims may reduce the likelihood of developing PTSD symptoms by blocking the effects of adrenaline on memory formation.

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Study Notes

  • Hormones are chemicals affecting behavior, secreted by endocrine glands, not neurons.
  • Hormones are released into the bloodstream, resulting in slower but longer-lasting effects compared to neurotransmitters.
  • Only target cells with specific receptor sites react to hormones.
  • Binding to target cells either increases or decreases cell function.

Hormones vs. Neurotransmitters

  • Epinephrine (adrenaline) functions as a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland.
  • Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) acts as a neurotransmitter in brain neurons.
  • Some hormones, such as neuropeptide Y and oxytocin, can also act as neurotransmitters.

Key Hormones & Functions

  • Adrenaline is secreted by adrenal glands and is involved in arousal and the "fight or flight" response, with a role in emotional memory formation.
  • Cortisol is secreted by adrenal glands and controls blood sugar, regulates metabolism, reduces inflammation, and aids memory formation.
  • Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland and promotes relaxation, lowers body temperature, and aids sleep.
  • Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is produced by the hypothalamus and acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain, stimulating food intake, reducing anxiety/stress, lowering pain perception, and affecting circadian rhythm.
  • Higher levels of NPY are associated with increased resilience.
  • Oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus and secreted by the pituitary gland, acting as a neurotransmitter in the brain, with a role in mother-child attachment, social bonding, and trust.
  • Testosterone is produced by the testes and facilitates aggression, with increased levels leading to increased aggression.

Fight or Flight Response

  • The hormone cascade involves the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands.
  • The adrenal glands release cortisol (dumps glucose for energy) and adrenaline (increases heart rate, blood pressure, respiration).
  • The fight or flight response evolved for survival in dangerous situations.

Cahill & McGaugh (1995) Study

  • The aim of the study was to investigate the role of adrenaline and the amygdala in emotional memory.
  • Participants were divided into two groups and shown 12 slides with different stories: a boring story about a woman and son visiting a hospital and a traumatic story about a boy in a car accident.
  • A recognition task was performed two weeks later.
  • The traumatic story group had better recall of details.
  • In a follow-up, a beta-blocker (propranolol) was injected, resulting in no better recall than the boring story group.
  • Adrenaline and amygdala activation are crucial for emotional memory formation.

Applications

  • Pitman et al (2002) found that beta-blockers given to trauma victims resulted in fewer PTSD symptoms one month later.
  • Beta-blockers have potential for preventing PTSD post-trauma.

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