-
What are hormones?
How hormones form, use deficiency diseases
-
2 Replies
-
What are hormones?
A hormone is a chemical substance secreted by endocrine glands of our body. These are released or secreted by these glands in the blood stream and thus flow throughout the body and work on their target organs. These help in the chemical coordination and proper functioning of the body.
Hormones are secreted by endocrine glands, for example- pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, pancreas, thymus, parathyroid glands and gonads. Even the heart, liver and kidneys secrete hormones.
The secretion of hormones is majorly regulated by the Hypothalamus. It controls the hormones of the pituitary.
The anterior pituitary secretes hormones such as-
1. Growth hormone (GH) –
its uncontrolled level can cause gigantism and acromegaly whereas its deficiency can lead to dwarfism
2. Prolactin (PRL) – regulation of growth of mammary glands
3. Thyroid stimulating hormone – acts on the thyroid gland
4. Luteinizing hormone – acts on gonads of males
5. Follicle stimulating hormones – acts on gonads of females
The posterior pituitary secretes hormones such as-
1. Oxytocin
2. Vasopressin
Thyroid Gland-
· it secretes T<sub>3</sub> (triiodothyronine) and T<sub>4</sub> (thyroxine)
· deficiency of thyroid hormones causes hypothyroidism and goitre
· increase in the levels of these hormones causes hyperthyroidism
Parathyroid Gland-
· it regulates the calcium levels of bones and blood
· takes up extra Ca<sup>2+</sup> ions from the bones and releases it in blood
Adrenal Gland-
· adrenal cortex- hormones secreted through these regulate carbohydrate metabolism
· its deficiency leads to Adison’s Disease
· adrenal medulla – secretes hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine
· these help in flight or fight, that is, running away in times of danger or facing them
Pancreas-
· these secrete hormones through 3 types of cells
· alpha cells- secrete glucagon
regulates blood glucose levels:
increase of blood sugar causes hyperglycemia
deficiency causes- hypoglycemia
· beta cells- secrete insulin
these also regulate blood glucose levels
their deficiency causes diabetes mellitus
· delta cells- secrete somatostatin
Testis-
· testis are situated in the scrotal sac of man
· these secrete androgens – testosterone
· testosterone acts for the development of male accessory organs, secondary sexual characters
· it regulates the formation of sperms
Ovary-
· the primary sex organ of female
· it secretes estrogen and progesterone
· estrogen helps in the development of mammary glands., female secondary sexual characters and regulates the formation of follicles
· progesterone acts during pregnancy
to sum up, hormones play major roles in our body and life. Without these messengers our body would not work efficiently. A healthy diet plays an important role in their regulation. Their deficiencies, if detected early, can treated by using supplements prescribed by the doctor.
-
Hormones are chemical signaling molecules produced by specialized glands or tissues in the body. Their formation, use, and deficiency diseases are as follows:
Formation of Hormones:
Hormones are synthesized from simple precursor molecules, such as amino acids (e.g., thyroid hormones) or cholesterol (e.g., steroid hormones).
The endocrine glands, such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and sex glands, are responsible for the production and release of hormones into the bloodstream.
The production of hormones is regulated by complex feedback mechanisms involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and target organs.
Use of Hormones:
Hormones act as chemical messengers, traveling through the bloodstream to target tissues and organs.
They bind to specific receptors on target cells, triggering a cascade of biochemical reactions that result in physiological responses, such as growth, development, metabolism, and homeostasis.
Hormones play crucial roles in regulating various bodily functions, including growth, reproduction, stress response, and energy balance.
Hormonal Deficiency Diseases:
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid):
Caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4)
Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and depression
Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency):
Caused by insufficient production of adrenal hormones (cortisol and aldosterone)
Symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, and skin pigmentation changes
Growth hormone deficiency:
Caused by insufficient production of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland
Symptoms include short stature, delayed puberty, and decreased muscle mass
Hypogonadism (reduced sex hormone production):
Caused by insufficient production of sex hormones (testosterone or estrogen)
Symptoms include delayed puberty, infertility, and decreased sexual function
Diabetes insipidus:
Caused by insufficient production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) by the pituitary gland
Symptoms include excessive thirst and frequent urination
Hormonal deficiencies can often be treated with hormone replacement therapy, which aims to restore the proper balance of hormones in the body and alleviate the associated symptoms.
Log in to reply.