Hormones Overview and Functions

Hormones Overview

• Peptide hormones consist of short chains of amino acids.
• Protein hormones are made up of long chains of amino acids.
• Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol.

Hormone Types

• Androgens, including testosterone, are a class of steroid hormones.
• Estrogens, primarily released by the ovaries, include common types like estradiol.
• Progestins are steroid hormones that include progesterone, which prepares the uterus and breasts for pregnancy.

Glands and Their Functions

• Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the circulatory system and include glands like the adrenal cortex.
• Exocrine glands release chemicals through ducts to their targets.
• Gonads (testes and ovaries) are responsible for sex hormone production.

Reproductive Processes

• Copulation refers to sexual intercourse.
• A zygote is a fertilized egg containing genetic information necessary for normal organism development.
• The menstrual cycle is a hormone-regulated process involving follicle growth, egg release, and uterine lining buildup.

Genetic Factors

• Sex chromosomes (1 pair among 23) determine an individual's sex.
• X chromosomes contain 615 genes, while Y chromosomes encode 66 genes.

Pituitary Gland Functions

• The pituitary gland, known as the master gland, secretes tropic hormones that influence other glands.
• Anterior pituitary is involved in releasing gonadotropic hormones.
• Posterior pituitary contains terminals of hypothalamic neurons and releases hormones like vasopressin, which aids in water reabsorption by kidneys.

Hormone Regulation

• Gonadotropin is a hormone from the pituitary that stimulates hormone release from the gonads.
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone controls the release of gonadotropic hormones.
• Follicle-stimulating hormone encourages the development of ovarian follicles.

Structural Connections

• The pituitary stalk connects the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
• The anterior pituitary develops from the roof of the mouth and releases various tropic hormones.

Key Hormones

• Vasopressin also functions as an antidiuretic hormone, facilitating water retention in the kidneys.

This quiz covers the types of hormones, their functions, and the endocrine and exocrine glands responsible for hormone production. It also touches on reproductive processes like copulation and the menstrual cycle. Test your knowledge about how hormones play a crucial role in human physiology.