THE IMPORTANCE OF ENDOCRINE GLANDS

The endocrine glands are also called the ductless glands. These ductless glands are important regulators of our behavior. The pituary at the base of the brain is thought to exert a regulatory control over the adrenals, thyroid and gonads. From the pituary comes the growth hormone {ACTH}. Over secretion of the hormone causes glantism, under secretion causes dwarfism. The adrenal glands lying above or near the kidneys have two physical parts: 1. Medulla which secretes adrenalin. 2. Adrenal cortex which relates to salt and carbohydrates metabolism. The thyroid at the trachea just below the larynx secretes thyroxin. It helps to regulate the basal metabolic rate. When there is under secretion the person becomes lazy and easily tired, often gains excessive weight. Other factors can also cause these symptoms. Excessive secretion causes an elevation of metabolism, resulting in over activity, excitability and sometimes loss of weight. Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. The gonads, which are the testes in the male and ovaries in the female, are also important. The androgen or male hormone and estrogen or female hormone are related to the development of secondary sex characteristics, such as hair around the organs. In the male, they may relate to the voice change and skin problems. A female hormone, progesterone secreted by the ovary and placenta during pregnancy helps to keep the uterus in a relatively quiet state during the development of fetus. From the pancreas comes the hormone insulin. When the blood sugar rises above a certain level, insulin causes the liver to absorb and store the excess amount. When the blood sugar level drops, the liver releases more blood sugar in the form of glucose. If insufficient insulin is produced by the pancreas, blood sugar escapes through the kidneys instead of being stored in the liver. This condition, called diabetes, may be corrected by the artificial infection of insulin.

Synthesis
The endocrine gland is important regulators of behavior. The pituary secrete hormone. Over secretion causes giantism and under secretion causes dwarfism. Adrenals two parts are the medulla secrete adrenalin and adrenal cortex relates to salt and carbohydrates metabolism. The thyroid secretes thyroxin, if it is under secretion the person becomes easily tired and gain excessive weight. Over secretion causes loss of weight and goiter. Gonads is male is testes and ovary is female. It secrete androgen or male hormone and estrogen or female hormone are related to the development of secondary sex characteristics. In pancreas comes the hormone insulin. If pancreas

comes the hormone insulin. If insufficient insulin is produced by pancreas it cause diabetes.

References: Peter Gray Psychology

Kohlbergs Theory of Moral Development Kohlbergs theory of moral development constitutes an adaptation of a psychological theory originally conceived of by the Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget. He modified and expanded upon Piagets work to form a theory that explained the development of moral reasoning. Piaget described a two-stage process of moral development, while Kohlberg theory of moral development outlined six stages within three different levels. Kohlberg extended Piagets theory, proposing that moral development is a continual process that occurs throughout the lifespan. Chart of Kohlbergs Theory of Moral Development Stage 1: Punishment-Obedience Orientation Level One: Pre-conventional Morality Stage 2: Individualism, Instrumentalism and Exchange Stage 3: Good Boy-Nice Girl Orientation Level Two: Conventional Morality Level Three: Post-Conventional Morality Stage 4: Law and Order Orientation Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principle Orientation

Level 1. Pre-conventional Morality (Ages 2-7) Stage 1 Obedience and Punishment The earliest stage of moral development is especially common in young children. At this stage, children see rules as fixed and absolute. Obeying the rules is important because it is a means to avoid punishment. Stage 2 Instrumental Relativist Orientation The second stage of this level is characterized by a view that right behavior means acting in ones own best interests.

Level 2. Conventional Morality (Ages 7-18) Stage 3 Good Boy-Nice Girl Orientation This stage of moral development is focused on living up to social expectations and roles. There is an emphasis on conformity, being nice, and consideration of how choices influence relationships.

Stage 4 Law and Order Orientation At this stage of moral development, people begin to consider society as a whole when making judgments. The focus is on maintaining law and order by following the rules, doing ones duty and respecting authority.

Level 3. Post-conventional Morality (Ages 18 and above) Stage 5 Social Contract Orientation At this stage, people begin to account for the differing values, opinions and beliefs of other people. Rules of law are important for maintaining a society, but members of the society should agree upon these standards.