Biology and Behavior

University of Phoenix Material

Biology and Behavior Worksheet

Respond to the following questions in 150-200 words each.

1. Select a hormone and describe how it affects the mind and body. Describe a situation where you experienced this effect.

Beta- endorphins are stress hormons produced in the pituitary glad and inhibits the perception of pain. They specifically function as neurotransmitters, or conductors of messages between nerve cells. High levels of beta- endorphins are present during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. Beta- endorphins suppress the immune system which may be an important factor during early pregnancy aiding acceptance by our body of our developing baby. It induces feelings of pleasure, euphoria, and dependency. Very high levels of beta- endorphins during labour help women to transcend pain and reach an altered state of awareness or zone out. When an individual has reached a pain threshold, the body releases several chemicals like beta-endorphins. These chemicals in turn often create a higher tolerance for body stress or pain, allowing the individual to continue performing the strenuous task.

I have experienced this effect four different times in my life when giving birth to my children. Endorphins indeed serve as the body’s natural pain-killers, as they are released during bouts of pain or other bodily stress.

2. Select an action you perform on a daily basis. Outline which parts of the nervous system are involved and how they work together to perform this action.

An action I perform on a daily basis would be cooking. The nervous system coordinates all of my movements sensations and thoughts. The nervous system senses when an object is to hot and signals to your muscles to let it go. The nervous system senses your surroundings, and communicates information between your spinal cord, brain, and other tissues. The nervous system coordinates your body’s voluntary movements, and regulates and coordinates your body’s...