Hereditary and Hormones

The discussion of the effects that heredity and hormones can have on human behavior has

been an ongoing topic amongst psychologists for some time now. Many psychologists have

questioned if an individual’s behavior is hereditary, in most cases this can be

true. The influence of heredity in human behavior compared to the influence of hormones in

human behavior can be more alike than different. Heredity and hormones can both influence an

individual’s behavior. For many years scientists have attempted to identify specific links in genes

that could tie behaviors such as aggression, anxiety, and depression to heredity.

The endocrine system plays a key role in helping to determine psychological reactions.

The endocrine system consists of glands that produce hormones. Hormones are carried

throughout the body through the bloodstream and guide sexual development, metabolism and

growth. . Hormones are similar to neurotransmitters in the way that they carry messages.

Hormones can trigger behaviors such as aggressiveness, alertness and concentration.

The endocrine system consists of the thyroid glance which is a hormone that can reduce

the levels of concentration and increase the level of irritability. The thyroid gland can also slow

down metabolism therefore making a person feel lethargic. The pituitary gland, also a part of the

endocrine system, produces a wide range of hormones and has the largest effect on the function

of the body. This gland influences blood pressure, thirst, sexual behavior and interest as well as

contractions during childbirth. The pituitary gland plays an especially important role in the

growth of the body. Gonads are the reproductive organs and are responsible for sexual

development of both men and women and have also been linked to sexual interest and behavior.

The adrenal glands produce hormones that can raise blood pressure and also delay the bodies

reaction to stress....