Hormones

Question 1

What are Hormones?

Answer 1

Slow chemical messengers (because they’re carried by your blood around the body).

Question 2

Where are hormones produced?

Answer 2

A set of glands in the body called the Endocrine system.

Question 3

What glands are in the Endocrine system?

Answer 3

• Pituitary gland - growth hormone.
• Thyroid gland - thyroxine.
• Pancreas - insulin.
• Adrenal gland - adrenaline.
• Testes (male) - testosterone.
• Ovaries (female) - oestrogen.

Question 4

How do hormones work?

Answer 4

• Travel trhough body in blood.
  
  • Reach target cells, where they bind to the cell and change its function.
    
    • Cells respond to the hormones.
      
      • Some hormones reach brain and bring mood changes by altering the production or re-uptake of neurotransmitters.
        
        • I.e. testosterone linked to agg.

Question 5

Examples of hormones that can be prescribed as medication:

Answer 5

• Oestrogen and progestrone work as contraceptives.
• Insulin is used by diabetics.
• Steroids can treat skin problems and inflammation.