Using one or more examples, explain functions of two hormones in human behaviour. (8)
Explain (8) – Detailed account including reasons or causes.
Hormones
- Chemical messengers that transfers information to cells to coordinate functions of different part of the body.
Testosterone
- Produced in male Testes Gland and female Ovary Gland.
- 10 times more Testosterone produced in adult male than female.
- Development and emotion in puberty.
- Voice deepening, sperm and muscle development.
- Increase in aggression, dominance and sexual behaviour.
| Dabbs et al – Testosterone and Aggression Correlation study |
| Description |
- Measure the level of Testosterone in 692 male adult prisoners.
- Prisoners who committed sex and violence crime had higher level of Testosterone.
- When compared to those who were in jail for property crime or drug abuse.
|
Melatonin
- Produced in the Pineal Gland.
- Regulates sleep-wake cycle, pubertal development and seasonal adaption.
- More Melatonin is released when there is no sun, causing drowsiness making the person sleepy.
- Light received by the optical nerve in the eye causes a signal to be sent to the Suprachiasmatic (Supra-chias-matic) Nucleus (SCN).
- SCN sends information to parts of the body including the Pineal Gland
- SCN modulates the levels of hormones in the body
| Rosenthal – Melatonin study |
| Description |
- In countries where there are low levels of sunlight, people have higher level of Melatonin.
- This causes Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), symptoms include depression.
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