BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF HUMAN BEHAVIOUR

By- Vidhi Singhal

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
The endocrine system consists of several glands located throughout the body. These glands secrete chemical
messengers (hormones) that signal the body to perform essential functions, usually related to growth and metabolism
and control our behaviour. This system works in conjunction with different parts of nervous system. Therefore, the
whole system is called neuroendocrine system.
There are two types of glands within the endocrine system.
Endocrine glands they secrete their hormones directly into the bloodstream, where they are carried to the site of
action.
Exocrine glands they secrete their hormones directly into ducts.
Some of the main endocrine glands present in our body which secrete different hormones are as follows

Pituitary gland
This gland is present within the cranium just below hypothalymus.
The anterior pituitary (or adenohypophysis) is a lobe of the gland that regulates several physiological processes
(including stress, growth, reproduction, and lactation).
The intermediate lobe synthesizes and secretes melanocyte-stimulating hormone.
The posterior pituitary (or neurohypophysis) is a lobe of the gland that is functionally connected to
the hypothalamus by the median eminence via a small tube called the pituitary stalk.
Pituitary gland directs and regulate the secretions of the other endocrine glands. This is why it is called the master
gland.

Thyroid gland

This gland is present in the neck. It produces thyroxin which influences bodys metabolic rate. Optimum amount of
thyroxin is secreted by a anterior pituitary gland hormone , Thyroxin Stimulating Hormone(TSH). The steady secretion
of this hormone maintains the production of energy, consumption of oxygen and elimination of wastes in body cells.
On the other hand, if the underproduction of thyroxin leads to physical and psychological lethargy.
If you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), you may experience:

Unusual nervousness

Restlessness

Anxiety

Irritability

On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), you may experience:

Mild to severe fatigue

Depression

Still, it's unlikely that emotional symptoms such as anxiety or depression would be the only evidence of thyroid
disease. Thyroid disease is usually associated with signs and symptoms such as:

Weight gain or loss

Sensitivity to hot or cold

Bowel movement changes

Menstrual irregularities

Adrenal gland
This gland is present above each kidney. It has two parts- adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla, both secreting
different hormones.
The secretion of adrenal cortex is controlled and regulated by ACTH secreted by anterior pituitary gland.
The adrenal cortex secretes a group of hormones called corticoids, which are utilised by the body in various
physiological activities such as regulating minerals in the body. Any disturbance in its function seriously affects the
nervous system.

Adrenal medulla secretestwo hormones- adremaline and noradrenaline. Sympatetic activations such as increased
heart rate, oxygen consumption,metabolic rate,muscle tone etc., take place througgh th secretion of these two
hormones.they stimulate the hypothalymus whichprolongs emotions in an individual even when the stressor has been
removed.

Pancreas
The pancreas lying near the stomach have a primary role in digestion of food. But it also secretes a hormone called
insulin. Insulin helps the liver to breakdown glucose for the use by the body or for storage as glycogen by the liver.
When insulin is not secreyted in proper amounts, peopple develop a disease called diabetic mellitus or simply
diabetes.

Gonads
Gonads refer to testes in males amd ovaries in females. The hormones secreted by these glands control and regulate
sexual behaviours and reproductive functions in males and females. Secretion of hormones of these glands is
initiated, maintained and regulated by a hormon called gonadotrophic hormone(GTH)secreted by the anterior pituitary
gland. The secretion of GTH starts at the age of pubertyas timulates gonadsto secrete hormones, which in turn
stimulates the development of primary and secondary sexual characters.
The ovaries in the females produce progesterone and oestrogen. Oestrogen guides the sexual development of
female body. Primary sexual characters related with reproductionsuch as development of ovum, appear evry 28 days
or so in the ovary of a sexually mature female. Secondary sexual characters such as breast development, rounded
body contours etc.,also depends on this hormone. Progesterone has no role in development of sexual characteristics.
It is called as the pregnancy hormone hence it is related with preparation of uterus for the possible reception of
fertilised ovum.
In males, testes produces sperm continuously and secrete male sex hormone called testosterone. It prompts the
secondary sexual characteristics such as physical changes, groeth of hair on the body, deepend voice and increase
in sexually oriented behaviour, increased aggression etc.
The normal functioning of hormones is very crucial for behavioural well- being. Without a balanced secretion of
hormones, the body would be unable to maintain the state of internal equilibrium. Hormones affect nearly everything
about how humans think and feel. They can control weight, emotion, health and even lower or increase pain
thresholds. In fact there is very little in the human experience that is not in some way affected by hormones and their
interactions. Without the secretion of hormones from endocrine glands we would not be able to grow, mature,
reproduce etc.

THANKYOU

VIDHI
SINGHAL
XI-E