Hormones

Hormones
Definition:
“Hormones are chemicals synthesized and produced by the specialized glands to control and
regulate the activity of certain cells and organs. These specialized glands are known as endocrine
glands.”
What are Hormones?

As stated above, hormones are chemicals that essentially function as messengers of the body. These
chemicals are secreted by special glands known as the endocrine glands. These endocrine glands
are distributed throughout the body. These messengers control many physiological functions as
well as psychological health. They are also quite important in maintaining homeostasis in the body.
• Cell Signaling The effects of hormones depend on how they are released. Hence, signalling
effects can be classified into the following:
• Autocrine: The hormone act on the cell that secreted it.
• Paracrine: The hormone act on a nearby cell without having to enter the blood circulation.
• Intracrine: The hormone is produced in the cell and acts intracellularly means inside the
cell. • Endocrine: The hormone act on the target cells once it is released from the respective
glands into the bloodstream.
Types of Hormones To regulate various functions, different types of hormones are produced in the
body. They are classified as follows:
• Peptide Hormones
• Steroid Hormones Peptide Hormones Peptide hormones are composed of amino acids and
are soluble in water. Peptide hormones are unable to pass through the cell membrane as it
contains a phospholipid bilayer that stops any fat-insoluble molecules from diffusing into
the cell. Insulin is an important peptide hormone produced by the pancreas. Steroid
Hormones Unlike peptide hormones, steroid hormones are fat-soluble and are able to pass
through a cell membrane. Sex hormones such as testosterone, estrogen and progesterone
are examples of steroid hormones
Endocrine Glands and the Hormones Secreted As stated before, hormones are released by the
endocrine glands. These are different from other glands of the human body as they are ductless.
Hypothalamus: It controls the body temperature, regulates emotions, hunger, thirst, sleep, moods
and allow the production of hormones.
• Pineal: Pineal is also known as the thalamus. It produces serotonin derivatives of

melatonin, which affects sleep patterns.
• Parathyroid: This gland helps in controlling the amount of calcium present in the body.
• Thymus: It helps in the production of T-cells, functioning of the adaptive immune system
and maturity of the thymus.
• Thyroid: It produces hormones that affect the heart rate and how calories are burnt.
• Adrenal: This gland produces the hormones that control the sex drive, cortisol and stress
hormone.
• Pituitary: It is also termed as the “master control gland,”. This is because the pituitary gland
helps in controlling other glands. Moreover, it develops the hormones that trigger growth
and development.
• Pancreas: This gland is involved in the production of insulin hormones, which plays a
crucial role in maintaining blood sugar levels.
• Testes: In men, the testes secrete the male sex hormone, testosterone. It also produces
sperm.
• Ovaries: In the female reproductive system, the ovaries release estrogen, progesterone,
testosterone and other female sex hormones. All these glands work together to produce and
manage the hormones of the body.
List of Important Hormones

1. Cortisol – It has been named as the “stress hormone” as it helps the body in responding to
stress. This is done by increasing the heart rate, elevating blood sugar levels etc.
2. Estrogen-This is the main sex hormone present in women which bring about puberty,
prepares the uterus and body for pregnancy and even regulates the menstrual cycle.
Estrogen level changes during menopause because of which women experience many
uncomfortable symptoms.
3. Melatonin – It primarily controls the circadian rhythm or sleep cycles.
4. Progesterone – It is a female sex hormone also responsible for menstrual cycle, pregnancy
and embryogenesis.
5. Testosterone – This is the most important sex hormone synthesized in men, which cause
puberty, muscle mass growth, and strengthen the bones and muscles, increase bone density
and controls facial hair growth.
Why are Hormones called Chemical Messengers?
The prominent role of hormones is that of a messenger. Hypothalamus is a part of forebrain where
a numerous amount of neurosecretory cells are present. These neurosecretory cells are specialized
in the secretion of a hormone called neurohormones. They stimulate the anterior lobe of the
pituitary to produce various other hormones. Sometimes, hormones act more than a regulator than
a messenger. The changes in the level of hormone production lead to certain changes in the body.
Thus, hormone as a regulator maintains the homeostasis of the body. Once the hormones meet
their target, their production needs to be controlled and this is attained by a mechanism called
feedback control mechanism. The feedback mechanism could either be positive or negative.

Hormones

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Hormones

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Hormones

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Hormones

What are Hormones?

• Pineal: Pineal is also known as the thalamus. It produces serotonin derivatives of

List of Important Hormones

You might also like