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jtlz
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How big is the contribution of endocrine glands to emotions? What if we only have brain and no endocrine glands.. what emotions remain?
Rather than answer that directly - not sure if there is a direct answer - I'll ask you some ponderings:jtlz said:How big is the contribution of endocrine glands to emotions? What if we only have brain and no endocrine glands.. what emotions remain?
256bits said:Rather than answer that directly - not sure if there is a direct answer - I'll ask you some ponderings:
What secretions are from the endocrine glands?
What effect upon the body, organs, or cells do these secretions have?
What triggers the glands to produce secretions into the blood stream?
Are there long term affects as well as short term?
What other questions could you ask yourself, to solve the inquiry?
Just wondering the level of research you yourself have on the subject, say for example, high or low levels of testosterone.
I think a discussion could become quite involved beyond first level biology.
Good response.jtlz said:Besides Adrenalin, testosterone, estrogen, stomach acidity, hypothalamo-pituitary axis secretions.. what else are there...
most importantly.. do you know of latest research what really triggers them or maps (graphics illustrations, url, etc.) of some kind of the interactions between brain, endocrine glands, bloodstream secretions, nervous system and the mind?
It's ok if the discussion could be maximum multidisciplinary advanced. But for discussion sake (to avoid too broad topic).. perhaps we could just address "What triggers the glands to produce secretions into the blood stream?"...
jim mcnamara said:Hmm. Endocrinology. So while this is both an interesting and a logical question, the answers are not simple, plus not all are not clearly understood.
Hormones come from many tissues, not just endocrine glands. Exposure of sunlight on skin produces a hormone precursor, which becomes a hormone that we Vitamin D. FWIW. And levels of Vitamin D can effect cognitive changes in some humans. Maybe this could fall into the 'emotion' pile of ideas.
This is the best answer I can give you:
Consider an idyllic quiet pond, that reflects blue sky and clouds, like a mirror. A kid standing next to you lobs a rock into the center of the pond. In a short while every part of the once glassy surface is roiled with waves. The rock is a point stimulus, okay? In terms of hormonal response, biochemical "waves" or perturbations may occur with a simple point stimulus. The pond analogy. A single hormone change can be like the rock in the pond effect.
Consider that your question does not always have a one to one answer for most things hormonal. Text books give a few examples like the fight-or-flight response. But other hormones are at play even there.
So let's not belabor a bunch of anecdotal incidents and claim they explain hormonal action. In general endocrine glands are derived from the same tissue as our nervous system. And our brain has an 'express route' to some of those glands. There are also molecules inside the brain that regulate emotions. Brain hormones if you like. You probably have heard of serotonin for example.
Best choice for inquiring minds:
Nelson and Kriegsfeld 'Introduction to Behavioral Endocrinology' which is exactly what you are asking for. Most college libraries will have a copy, the fourth edition is the current, best one. And AFAIK there is no useful comprehensive list of all hormones and their interactions.
Pop Science version: Sapolsky, "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers" I know if I were a zebra and had lions waiting around my drinking hole, I would certainly get ulcers...
Return lots of hits. See what you can understand.NIH: hormones that affect the digestive tract
NIH: hormones and gastrointestinal problems
jtlz said:How big is the contribution of endocrine glands to emotions?
jtlz said:"What triggers the glands to produce secretions into the blood stream?"...
jim mcnamara said:No, I do not know of a specific connection like you mentioned. I think my answer may have confused you.
This google searches
Return lots of hits. See what you can understand.
Especially note the ones that discuss IBS, stomach acid, or dyspepsia (fancy name for stomach pain) or ulcers. You do know about Helicobacter pylorii and ulcers, right? And colon problems or symptoms of pancreatitis are easily mistaken for a stomach problem.
It also sounds to me like you or someone close to you has a stomach disorder that is triggered by stress or other disease processes. If you have not seen a health professional the symptoms you mention could easily mask the true cause, something that needs medical attention, right now.
Why? An example: long term Helicobacter infection is a cause of stomach cancer as well as a primary cause of ulcers. Ulcers hurt and are worse under stress.
Get help. Do not rely on PF or me. We cannot provide medical advice. I am not a physician.
Endocrine glands are a group of specialized cells that produce and release hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones act as chemical messengers and are responsible for regulating various bodily functions, including emotions.
Endocrine glands produce hormones that can influence our emotions by interacting with the brain and other body tissues. For example, the hormone cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, is known to play a role in the body's response to stress, which can affect our emotions.
Yes, imbalances in endocrine glands can lead to emotional disturbances. For instance, an overproduction of thyroid hormones can cause anxiety and irritability, while an underproduction can lead to depression and fatigue.
While all endocrine glands can influence emotions, some are more closely linked to certain emotions. For example, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland are involved in the body's stress response, while the pineal gland is thought to play a role in regulating sleep and mood.
Yes, emotional responses can also affect endocrine gland function. For instance, the release of the hormone oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone", can be triggered by positive social interactions, which can then influence our emotions and behavior.