In the intricate dance of the human body, hormones play a vital role in regulating every aspect of our existence. These chemical messengers travel through the bloodstream, binding to target cells and initiating a cascade of biological responses. Here is a comprehensive list of horomones and their actions, organized into logical categories for easy reference.
[Amino Acid Derivatives: Amines]
- Growth Hormone (GH): Promotes growth and development of body tissues.
- Prolactin (PRL): Induces milk production in the breast.
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Stimulates the release of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland.
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Controls the release of hormones from the adrenal cortex.
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH):Stimulates gamete production in the ovary and spermatogenesis in the testis.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH): StIMulates androgen production by thegonads.
[Peptides and Proteins]
- Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): Regulates water reabsorption by the kidneys.
- Oxytocin: stimulate uterine contractions during childbirth.
- Prolactin: Initiates and maintains milk production in the breasts.
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Stimulation of thyroid hormone release from the thyroid gland.
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Controls the release of hormones from the adrenal cortex.
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Stimulation of gamete production in the ovary and spermatogenesis in thetestis.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH):Stimulates androgen production by thegonads.
[Steroids]
- Aldosterone: Increases blood sodium levels and regulates fluid and electrolyte balance.
- Cortisol: A major stress hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and muscle strength.
- Corticosterone: A cortisol metabolite also involved in regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance.
- Testosterone: A key male sex hormone that promotes development of male-specific physical features during puberty and sperm production.
- Estrogens: A key female sex hormone that controls menstrual cycles and promotes growth of reproductive anatomym during puberty.T
- progesterone: A female sex hormone that stimulates the lining of the uterus for fertilization and prepares the breasts for milk production.
- Melatonin: A sleep hormone originally from the pineal gland that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles.
[Hormones from Adipose Tissue]
- Leptin: A hormone that regulates appetite, body weight, and energy expenditure.
- Adiponectin: A hormone that improves insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation.
- Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1): A hormone that regulates blood clotting and fibrinolysis.
[Hormones from Kidneys]
- Erythropoietin: A hormone that stimulates red blood cell (RBC) production in the bone marrow.
- Renin: A hormone that helps regulate blood pressure by controlling the production of aldosterone from the adrenal glands.
[Hormones from the Adrenal Glands]
- Epinephrine (Adrenaline): A hormone that increases heart rate, oxygen intake, and blood flow during the fight-or-flight response.
- Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline): A hormone that maintains blood pressure and stimulates the release of energy-yielding nutrients from the liver during exercise or stress.
[Hormones from the Pineal Gland]
- Melatonin: A hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles by promoting relaxation and inhibiting the production of stimulating neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine during the night.
[Hormone-Secreting Endocrine Glands]
- Pancreas: releases insulin to lower blood sugar levels and glucagon to increase blood sugar levels.
- Ovaries:release estradiol and progesterone to stimulate development of secondary sexual characteristics and prepare the body for childbirth.
- Testes:secretes testosterone to develop and maintain male secondary sexual characteristics.
[Hormones from the Placenta]
- Estrogen and Progesterone: To maintain a pregnancy, the placenta produces these hormones to suppress uterine lining growth and to prepare the breasts for milk production.
[Hormone-Secreting Non-Endocrine Glands]
- Parathyroid Glands: Produce parathyroid hormone (PTH) to maintain calcium and magnesium balance in blood and bone health.
- Gut (Gastrointestinal Tract): Makes ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, and somatostatin, which inhibits growth hormone release.
This summary of hormones and their actions provides a foundational understanding of this complex regulatory system. It is crucial for维持 health and preventing disease that these delicate balance interactions are wellmanaged by the body's endocrine glands and feedback mechanisms.