LECTURE NOTES – BIOLOGY STEPS … A T CY Pr ogr am

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HORMONES

Hormones are chemical substances secreted in very small amounts by endocrine glands. They
coordinate the activities of living organisms & also their growth.

CHARACTERISTICS OF HORMONES

(1) Secreted in small amounts by endocrine glands

(2) Poured directly into blood
(3) Transported into body thru circulatory system.
(4) Chemical messengers
(5) Act on specific tissues/ organs (Target organs)
(6) Coordinate the activities of the body & their growth.

Gland
A gland is a structure which secretes a specific substance. A gland is made up of a group of cells
or tissues.
2 types of glands exist in body.

Endocrine g Exocrine g
⊆ secretes its secretions directly into blood. ⊆ secretes its product into a duct.
Ductless Secrete secretions, digestive enzymes.
Secrete hormones Glands C ducts

Mixed/ Dual glands

• Serve both functions
• Pancreas
• Ovary
• Testes
THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM/ HORMONAL SYSTEM

Consists of a no. of glands

Name of gland Hormones Secreted Functions

(1) Hypothalamus (1) Releasing Hormones Regulates the secretions of
(+nt in brain) (2) Inhibiting hormones hormones from Pituitary
(2) Pituitary (Hypophysis) (1) Growth Hormone Growth of body
Master gland • Bones
• Muscles regulate secretion of
(2) Trophic Hormone hormones from other endocrine
glands

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LECTURE NOTES – BIOLOGY STEPS … A T C Y P r og r am
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(3) Prolactin regulate function of mammary

gland
(4) Vasopressin regulate water and electrolyte
balance
(5) Oxytocin regulate release of milk during
lactation

(3) Thyroid (1) Tyroxine Control of rate of metabolism

(contains iodine)
(2) Calcitonin Works opposite to Parathormone

(4) Parathyroid Parathormone Regulate Ca & P levels in blood

(5) Pancreas (1) Insulin Lower blood glucose level
(2) Glucogen Upper blood glucose level
(6) Adrenal (1) Adrenalin Regulate heart rate, breathing rate,
(2) Corticoids BP, carbo – metabolism, numeral
balance
(7) Testes (males) (1) Testosterone Controls development of male sex
organs & male features
(8) Ovaries (1) Oestrogen Development of female sex organs,
female features such as fenuine
voice, soft skin, mammary glands

(2) Progesterone Controls uterus changes in

menstrual cycle
Maintains pregnancy

• Endocrine glands produce hormones

Hormone act as a messenger bt. Nervous system & organs of body thus help in control &
coordination of the activities along nervous system.

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