Gland | Hormone Released | Action of the Hormone |
Pituitary Gland | Oxytocin | · Stimulates contractions in the uterus during childbirth· Aids conception and creates feelings of relaxation and calm· Encourages strong bonding between couples/child and mother |
Adrenal Glands (Adrenal Cortex) | Cortisol | ·Aids the body’s stress response·Low cortisol levels lead to low blood pressure, immune functioning and an inability to deal with stress. |
Adrenal Glands (Adrenal Medulla) | Adrenaline and Noradrenaline | ·Both hormones prepare the body for fight or flight·Adrenaline helps individuals to prepare for stressful situations by increasing heart rate and blood flow to muscles and brain helping with the conversion of glycogen to glucose to energy·Noradrenaline constricts blood vessels allowing blood pressure to increase. |
Testes | Testosterone | ·Causes the development of male characteristics (growth, facial hair, deepening of the voice)·Plays a part in sex drive, sperm production and maintenance of muscle strength·Women also have testosterone (but in much smaller amounts) |
Ovaries | Oestrogen and progesterone | ·Progesterone is more important in the post ovulation phase, it is associated with heightened sensitivity to social cues that indicate the presence of social opportunity (allies) or threat (from outsiders) that would be significant in the case of pregnancy. |