Heredity and Hormones
Axia College
Human behavior is influenced through a collaboration of heredity and hormones. This paper will compare and contrast heredity and hormones to understand the functionality of the human mind. “The endocrine system plays a key role in helping to coordinate and integrate complex psychological reactions.” (Morris and Maisto, 2005)
The endocrine glands release hormones which travel through the bloodstream to carry messages throughout the body. Hormones activate certain behaviors, affecting things such as alertness, sexual behavior, aggressiveness, and reactions to stress. “Hormones can have dramatic effects on mood, emotional reactivity, the ability to learn, and the ability to resist disease.” (Morris and Maisto, 2005)
The thyroid gland produces, thyroxin, which regulates the body’s rate of metabolism. An overactive thyroid can produce symptoms such as over-excitability, insomnia, and reduced attention span. An underactive thyroid causes the desire to sleep constantly yet always feel tired.
The parathyroids are in the thyroid gland. The parathyroids control and balance the level of calcium and phosphate in blood and tissue fluids. Parathyroids in turn influence a person’s level of excitement.
The pineal gland is located in the brain it secretes melatonin which regulates sleep-wake cycles. The pancreas is in between the stomach and the small intestine. The pancreas secretes two regulating hormones, insulin and glucagon, which control the level of sugar in the blood. Insulin and glucagon work against each other to balance blood-sugar levels.
The pituitary gland, often called the “master gland”, is located on the bottom of the brain. “The pituitary glands produce the largest number of different hormones and thus have the widest range of effects on the body’s functions.” (Morris and Maisto, 2005) The gonads secrete estrogen and testosterone hormones in both males and females. These hormones...