PSY354H5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Adrenal Gland, Aromatase, Pituitary Gland
Document Summary
Lecture 3 chapter 5 sex hormones and the menstrual cycle. The endocrine system: the system of glands that secrete hormones into the blood-stream: the link between brain and organs; brain to the rest of the body"s mechanisms. Hormones affect activity patterns in the brain. Travel through bloodstream; not synapse to synapse. Rely on receptor targets to be present in order to respond. Strongly influence pattern of behavior of brain. Testosterone: the principle androgen, synthesized in testes and, in lesser amounts, in the ovaries and adrenal glands. In males most of the circulating testosterone is produced by the testis, where it is produced by leydig cells. In women it is equally produced by ovaries (thecal cells) and adrenal gland. Most male internal and external genital structures require testosterone for normal functioning. Testosterone influences sexual behavior and promote tissue growth (repair: ie men have more testosterone than women thus they have more muscle mass, also influences erectile capacity of penis.
