Hormones

Main thing

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system, with over 50 different types present in humans. They travel through the bloodstream to tissues and organs, delivering messages that tell the organs how to function and interact with each other. Hormones work by binding to specific receptors on target cells, triggering responses that influence growth, metabolism, mood, and reproductive processes. This precise mechanism ensures that various bodily functions are coordinated and maintained in a state of balance.

Example: Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, binds to receptors on cells, allowing them to take in glucose from the blood for energy, thus regulating blood sugar levels.

Terms

• Endocrine System – A network of glands that produce and release hormones. Example: The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system and releases thyroid hormone, which regulates metabolism.

• Receptor – A specific protein on the surface or inside a cell that hormones bind to. Example: Insulin receptors on muscle cells help them absorb glucose from the blood.

• Metabolism – The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms. Example: Thyroid hormones increase the rate of metabolism, affecting how quickly the bodyuses energy.

• Growth Hormone – A hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration. Example: Growth hormone helps children grow taller and helps adults maintain muscle mass and skin health.

• Insulin – A hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. Example: After eating, insulin helps cells absorb glucose to lower blood sugar levels.

An analogy

Hormones are like the apps on a smartphone that send notifications to regulate functions and maintain balance. Just as apps send alerts to manage messages, emails, and health tracking, hormones send signals to organs to manage bodily functions.Example: Insulin acts like a key app that unlocks the cell's ability to absorb glucose, similar to how a security app unlocks access to a phone's features.

A main misconception

Many people think hormones only affect sexual function and mood. However, they regulate a wide range of bodily functions beyond just these areas.Example: While estrogen and testosterone are known for their role in sexual health, hormones like thyroid hormone significantly impact metabolism and energy levels.

The history

1. 1902: William Bayliss and Ernest Starling coined the term "hormone".

2. 1921: Insulin was discovered by Frederick Banting and Charles Best.

3. 1950s: The structure of many hormones was determined, leading to syntheticproduction.

4. 1970s: Hormone receptors were discovered, clarifying how hormones work.

5. Present: Hormone therapy and research continue to evolve, improving health outcomes.

Famous Quote: "Hormones are things we cannot do without." - Ernest Starling, the co-founder of the hormone concept, known for his work in physiology.

Three cases how to use it right now

1. A person with diabetes monitors their blood sugar levels and uses insulin therapy to manage their condition, applying knowledge of how insulin regulates glucose.

2. An athlete adjusts their diet and training based on understanding how growth hormone affects muscle repair and metabolism.

3. A woman tracks her menstrual cycle and uses hormonal contraceptives to managereproduction, utilizing the knowledge of how sex hormones influence fertility.

Interesting facts

• The human body secretes and circulates about 50 different hormones.

• Some hormones, like adrenaline, can affect the body within seconds.

• Hormones can influence behavior and emotions, such as cortisol contributing to stress.

• The smallest gland, the pineal gland, produces melatonin, which regulates sleep.

• Hormone levels can be affected by factors like stress, infection, and changes in the balance of fluid and minerals in the blood.