The Discovery Of Hormones And Their Function - 1568 Words

1. Introduction/Background Information The discovery of hormones and their function has been relatively recent. The term was first coined by Professor Earnest Starling in 1905. He derived the word from the Greek meaning â€Å"to arouse or excite.† However, the idea of the role hormones could be traced back as far as ancient Greece. Though Hippocrates’ theory on humors has been refuted, the concept of â€Å"bodily fluids,† or in this case, the amount of hormones circulating in the blood directly affecting temperament and emotions are related. Scientists continue to research the relevance of hormones, as well as neuropeptides on human behavior. Amazingly, throughout evolutionary history, both neuropeptides and steroid hormones were able to preserve†¦show more content†¦This research gives insight into the underlying neural mechanisms and also demonstrates substantial hormonal control over human behavior. After reviewing and discussing the placebo-controlle d studies, they proposed a theoretical model that synthesized detailed knowledge of neuroendocrinology of social-emotional behavior in animals, as-well-as the recently gained data on humans. The study of emotional and behavioral disorders have become more popular in the last twenty years. Characteristics of these irregularities include: learning disabilities that are not explainable by either sensory, health, or intellectual factors; persistently inappropriate feelings and conduct; and/or chronic unhappiness or depression (gadoe.org). The authors of this study thoroughly analyzed the underlying neural mechanisms of supplemental hormones and how they affect participants as opposed to using a placebo. Research into human behavior as it relates to neuroendocrinology will be crucial to future generations and their interrelations. 3. Methods and Results For the purpose of this paper, the authors did not do their own research. They used a collection of studies that looked at behaviors and their specific connections to hormones and neuropeptides. The first studies the authors reviewed attempted to make a connection between evolution and naturally occurring hormones. This portion of the paper, paragraph 2,