NEUR 3304 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Circadian Rhythm, Median Eminence, White Adipose Tissue
23 Nov 2016
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Document Summary
Endocrine system: system that coordinates the biological functions underlying all physiological and behavioural processes through chemical signals called hormones. Hormones are released by glands and are different from neurotransmitters: although some hormones can be neurotransmitters. Hormones can have number of effects: developmental (organizational) or functional (activation: effects of hormones can be on the same cell (autocrine), on cells nearby (paracrine), or on cells in a different part of the body. Ectocrine: pheromones, hormones secreted as communication between organisms: many animals secrete hormones into the environment as a mode of communication. Hormones secreted by specific cells in glands: sex specific glands, there are also sex differences in glands found in both sexes. Contain nuclei that are important to basic survival behaviours. Neurons within hypothalamus that have processes that trigger behaviours/physiological aspects to maintain homeostasis (ex. Monday, september 19, 2016: sex specific behaviour, aggressive behaviour, competitiveness for mates. Nuclei important for water balance and social behaviour: oxytocin.
