What are the main hormones in human body and what is the importance of these hormones in the body?

1 Answer
Oct 26, 2017

Hormones are the body's chemical messengers. The human body secretes and circulates some 50 different hormones.

Explanation:

Hypothalamus

  1. Releasing hormones - Stimulates the pituitary gland to release hormones.
  2. Inhibiting hormones - Inhibits release of pituitary gland hormones.

Anterior Pituitary

  1. Growth Hormone (GH) - Stimulates growth in all organs/tissues, increases protein synthesis, the mobilisation and use of fat for energy and inhibits carbohydrate metabolism
  2. Thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH) - Controls the secretion of the hormones released by the thyroid

  3. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) - Controls the secretion of hormones from the adrenal cortex

  4. Endorphins - Blocks pain

Posterior Pituitary

  1. Anti diuretic hormone(ADH) - Stimulates water retention by the kidneys

Adrenal Medulla

  1. Adrenaline (Epinephrine) - Mobilises glucose, increases heart rate, heart contractility, oxygen use and blood flow to skeletal muscles

  2. Nor adrenaline (Nor epinephrine) - Constricts blood vessels and elevates blood pressure.

Adrenal Cortex

  1. Aldosterone - Regulates electrolyte and fluid balance.

  2. Cortisol - Increases blood sugar levels, aids the metabolism of fats, CHO and proteins, suppresses the immune system, has an anti-inflammatory action.

Pancreas

  1. Insulin - Controls blood glucose by lowering blood glucose levels.
  2. Glucagon - Increases blood glucose, stimulates breakdown of glycogen and fat

Kidneys

  1. Renin - Assists in blood pressure control

Gonads

  1. Testosterone - in testes.
    Development of male sex organs, facial hair and change in voice. Promotes muscle growth.
  2. Oestrogen - Development of female sex organs, regulates menstrual cycle; storage of fat.

sources: http://www.ptdirect.com/training-design/anatomy-and-physiology/the-major-hormones-and-their-functions
http://www.ikonet.com/en/visualdictionary/static/us/hormones