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Hormones: Several Important Functions in the Human Body
What are
Hormones are chemicals produced by endocrine glands or specialized neurons. They are extremely important for controlling the functioning of the human body. Various hormones are produced in our body, each having a specific effect.
Main functions
- Some hormones act as a chemical messenger, carrying information between cells.
- Others act to regulate organs and regions of the body.
Main Human Hormones, producer glands and actions in the body:
Testosterone
Produced in the testicles, it has the action of developing sexual characteristics in men (maturation of sexual organs and formation of the scrotum). They also act in the formation of male secondary characteristics (thick voice, hair development, beard, muscles, etc.).
Estrogen
Female hormone produced by the ovary. It acts on the development of secondary sexual characteristics in women.
Progesterone
Female hormone produced by the corpus luteum. Responsible for maintaining the uterine lining cells and also for milk production.
Growth Hormone (GH)
Produced by the adenoipophysis, it has the function of stimulating the growth of the human body.
Insulin
Produced by the pancreas, this hormone acts to lower blood glucose (blood glucose rate). It is responsible for the absorption of glucose by cells.
Melatonin
Produced by the pineal gland, it is responsible for the body's rhythms, mainly regulating sleep.
Noradrenaline
Produced in the adrenal medulla, acts on the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Adrenaline
Produced in the adrenal medulla, acts on the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Dopamine
Produced in the hypothalamus, this neurotransmitter acts on the central nervous system. It is responsible for the feelings of motivation and pleasure.
Serotonin
Neurotransmitter that acts on communication between neurons. It acts on the regulation of appetite, sexual activity, sleep and circadian rhythm.
Did you know…
- Vertebrate animals have about 50 hormones, which are produced by the endocrine glands.
- The first scientist to isolate a hormone was the Japanese biochemist Jokichi Takamine. The feat occurred in the year 1901 while he researched adrenaline crystals.
- The word hormone originates from the Greek language and its meaning is "stimulate or stimulate".
