hormones in the human body and how they work?
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "human hormones" to get these possible sources:
http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/H/Hormones.html
http://www.earthtym.net/50-ref-hormones-human.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hormone
(Broken Link Removed)
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=184
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search.
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system. They regulate various bodily functions and processes, including growth and development, metabolism, reproduction, and mood. Here is a general overview of how hormones work in the human body:
1. Production: Hormones are produced in specialized cells within endocrine glands. These glands release hormones into the bloodstream, which carries them to target cells or organs.
2. Target cells: Each hormone has specific target cells or organs that have receptors for that hormone. These receptors allow the hormone to bind to the target cell, triggering a response.
3. Signaling: Once a hormone binds to its target cell receptor, it initiates a signal cascade within the cell. This can involve activating or inhibiting certain genes, proteins, enzymes, or other cellular processes.
4. Feedback regulation: Hormone levels are carefully regulated through feedback mechanisms. If hormone levels are too high, negative feedback signals are triggered to reduce hormone production. Conversely, if levels are too low, positive feedback signals may stimulate increased hormone production.
5. Types of hormones: There are several types of hormones, including:
- Peptide hormones: These hormones are made up of amino acids and include insulin and growth hormone. They bind to receptors on the cell surface.
- Steroid hormones: These hormones are derived from cholesterol and include cortisol and testosterone. They can pass through the cell membrane and bind to receptors inside the cell.
- Amino acid-derived hormones: These hormones are derived from amino acids, such as dopamine and thyroid hormones. They can have diverse signaling mechanisms.
6. Examples of hormone functions: Hormones have various functions in the body. For example, insulin regulates blood sugar levels, cortisol responds to stress, and estrogen and testosterone regulate sexual development and reproduction.
To learn more about hormones and how they work, you can refer to the sources I mentioned earlier or consult textbooks on endocrinology and human physiology.