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GlossariesIGCSE GlossariesIGCSE Psychology GlossaryHormones

Hormones - IGCSE Psychology Definition

Reviewed by: Claire Neeson

Last updated

What are hormones?

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system and released into the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions and processes.

In the context of IGCSE Psychology, hormones play a crucial role in influencing behaviour, emotions, and physiological states. They affect everything from mood and stress levels to growth and metabolism. Key examples include adrenaline, which prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, and testosterone, which influences aggression and sexual behaviour.

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Claire Neeson

Reviewer: Claire Neeson

Expertise: Psychology Content Creator

Claire has been teaching for 34 years, in the UK and overseas. She has taught GCSE, A-level and IB Psychology which has been a lot of fun and extremely exhausting! Claire is now a freelance Psychology teacher and content creator, producing textbooks, revision notes and (hopefully) exciting and interactive teaching materials for use in the classroom and for exam prep. Her passion (apart from Psychology of course) is roller skating and when she is not working (or watching 'Coronation Street') she can be found busting some impressive moves on her local roller rink.

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