Endocrine System Endocrine glands- release hormones

Pituitary “Master” Gland Produces largest # of body’s

hormones Attached to hypothalamus &

communication between them

Hormones:– Growth (amount & timing of

growth) – Vasopressin (regulates amount

of water in the body’s cells)– Oxytocin (contraction of uterus &

produce milk, + correlation between this hormone and sexual activity)

Pineal Gland Secretes melatonin High levels =

drowsiness

Thyroid Produces hormone thyroxin

Thyroxin- regulates body’s rate of metabolism

Liver & Pancreas Liver- aid metabolism &

detoxifies poisonous substances

Pancreas- controls the level of sugar in the blood by secreting insulin– Too much sugar

(underproduction of insulin)= diabetes

– Not enough sugar (over secretion of insulin) = hypoglycemia

Adrenal Glands Affect the body’s

reaction to stress (autonomic NS)

Hormone: epinephrine activates the sympathetic division

Hormone: norepinephrine (also a neurotransmitter) raises blood pressure

Behavioral Genetics- studies the influence of genetic factors on behavioral traits

Heredity- trait you inherit

Heritability- you have the chance to inherit but you might not get it

human cells contains 46 chromosomes (except sex cells: egg/sperm) which operate in 23 pair

1-22 Autosomes 23 Sex Chromosomes Abnormalities can occur in cell

division Monosomy- missing a

chromosome from a pair EX: Turner Syndrome (OX)

Trisomy- more than 2 chromosomes on a pair EX: Down Syndrome (3 copies of chromosome 21)

Genes (segments of DNA) operate in pairs; 1 gene in each pair coming from 1 parent

Mutation- change in a piece of DNA (can increase the variability in a gene pool)

Homozygous- 2 genes in a pair are the same

Heterozygous- 2 genes in a pair are different

Dominant v. Recessive Gene Ex: Detached (D) or Attached (R )

earlobes

Genotype- person’s genetic make-up– Fixed forever

Phenotype- ways in which a person’s genotype is manifested into observable characteristics– May change over time (Ex: hair color)

Polygenic traits- characteristics that are influenced by more than 1 pair of genes– Ex: Skin color is determined by 3-5 gene

pairs