 | This article has multiple issues. Please helpimprove it or discuss these issues on thetalk page.(Learn how and when to remove these messages) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
|
Behavioral endocrinology is a branch ofendocrinology that studies theNeuroendocrine system and its effects on behavior.[1] Behavioral endocrinology studies the biological mechanisms that produce behaviors, this gives insight into the evolutionary past.[2] The field has roots inethology,endocrinology andpsychology.[3]
Theneuroendocrine system is an integrated system composed of neurons, glands and non-endocrine tissues, and the hormones andneurochemicals they produce and receive collectively regulate physiological or behavioral state.[4]
The hypothalamus is a distinct part of the brain that is made up of neurons and its main purpose is to maintain homeostasis.[5] The hypothalamus also plays an important part in survival of the individual by integrating the interactions between hormonal and behavioral processes, such as, eating behavior and aggressive behavior.[5]
The pituitary gland located in the brain is a major system in neuroendocrine system because the secretion of hormones from the anterior pituitary is directly regulated by the central nervous system.[6]
Social behavior, reproductive behavior, moods, feelings, attitudes, development and survival are affected by the neuroendocrine system and studied in the field of behavioral endocrinology.[2][7]
See theCortisol: Memory andStress sections for more information on how cortisol has been found to affect behavior.[citation needed]
See theAdrenaline: Emotional response andMemory sections for more information on how adrenaline affects behavior.[citation needed]
Testosterone is secreted by the testicles of males and the ovaries of females, although small amounts are also secreted by the adrenal glands. It is the principal male sex hormone and ananabolic steroid. SeeTestosterone: Aggression and criminality andTestosterone: Brain for more information on how testosterone effects behavior.[citation needed]
Estrogens, together, make up a group of primary femalesex hormones synthesized in theovaries. SeeEstrogen: Brain and behavior for more on the role of estrogen in behavioral endocrinology.
Thyroid hormones are responsible forcontrolling metabolism, nervous system, body temperature and development of several organ systems such as the reproductive system.
Hyperthyroidism andhypothyroidism are the two major dysfunctions associated to behavioral and brain chemistry changes due to the imbalances in the thyroid hormones,triiodothyronine (T3) andthyroxine (T4).[8]
Behavioral endocrinology has roots inethology and is also seen as a combination ofendocrinology andpsychology. Like ethology, behavioral endocrinology focuses on behavior on the level of the whole organism. The invention ofradioimmunoassay techniques revolutionized behavioral endocrinology, allowing scientists to see and quantify hormones. The field historically resists reductionist thinking and focuses on the physiological aspects of behavior.[3]
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)