Hormones and Behaviors
Michelle Bodkin
BEH 225
February 28, 2015
Pamela Applewhite
Hormones and Behaviors
The endocrine is the body's communication system to keep all of the body's systems in line together. It communicates with internal systems within the body. The chemical systems in the endocrine system move more slowly and last longer than those of the nervous system. They tell the body to perform certain functions including physical, as well as mental functions. There are eight major glands, and they all perform a different function. These eight glands include the pituitary, the thyroid, the thymus, the adrenal, the ovaries or testes, the pancreatic islets, and the pineal gland. The pancreatic islets regulate blood sugar levels, the testes and ovaries regulate sex characteristics in men and women, the thyroid regulates metabolic rate, the thymus assists in immune system development, the adrenal gland regulates sodium, the pineal gland jump starts puberty, and the pituitary gland regulates all of these. (https://www.boundless.com/psychology/textbooks/boundless-psychology-textbook/the-brain-and-behavior-4/the-endocrine-system-36/the-endocrine-system-156-12691/)

The endocrine system affects behavior because the hypothalamus connects the nervous system with the endocrine system. The hypothalamus is resonsible for numerous different types of behaviors. These behaviors include basic needs like sleep, hunger, thirst, and sex. There are several issues related to the parts of the endocrine system. For example people with thyroid issues may suffer from hypo-thyroidism which can result in laziness and a lethargic feeling. The endocrine system also plays a part in hormonal conditions such as PMS, which can result in