Lecture 5 biodiversity

Hormone

A chemical signaling molecule usually protein or steroid secreted by endocrine cells that act to control or regulate specific physiological processes.

Lipid-derived hormones

Hormones derived from cholesterol that serve as signaling molecules.

Amino acid-derived hormones

Hormones derived from amino acids such as tyrosine and tryptophan; examples include epinephrine and melatonin.

Peptide hormones

Hormones that are short or long strands of amino acids, also known as proteins; insulin is a common example.

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain constant internal conditions.

Aldosterone

A hormone that regulates water and electrolyte balance by stimulating sodium reabsorption.

Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH)

A hormone that stimulates water reabsorption in cases of low water levels.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

A hormone that stimulates the maturation of sperm or egg cells.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

A hormone that triggers ovulation in females.

Insulin

A hormone that stimulates the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream, preventing high glucose levels.

Glucagon

A hormone that stimulates the breakdown of glycogen to release glucose into the bloodstream when levels are low.

Diabetes mellitus type 1

An autoimmune disease characterized by reduced production of insulin due to the destruction of beta cells in the pancreas.

Negative feedback

A regulatory mechanism in which the effects of a hormone result in less of it being produced to maintain homeostasis.

Endocrine glands

Various organs in the body that produce hormones; include the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid, pancreas, and adrenal glands.

Cortisol

A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate metabolism and the body's response to stress.

Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4)

Hormones produced by the thyroid gland that regulate metabolism, energy production, and growth.

Estrogen

A group of steroid hormones that play key roles in the regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues; also promotes secondary sexual characteristics.

Prolactin

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates breast milk production.

Growth hormone (GH)

A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration.

Oxytocin

A hormone produced by the hypothalamus that plays a significant role in childbirth and lactation, often referred to as the 'love hormone'.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

A hormone released by the parathyroid glands that regulates calcium levels in the blood.

Calcitonin

A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate calcium levels in the blood by lowering it when necessary.

Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles, often influenced by light exposure.