The Role of Hormones: Basic

Hormone

Chemical messenger released into the blood

Endocrine gland

Organ that produces and secretes hormones

Target organ

Organ that responds to a specific hormone

Endocrine system

System of glands that coordinate slower, long‑lasting responses

Adrenaline

Hormone that prepares the body for “fight or flight”

Insulin

Hormone that lowers blood glucose

Glucagon

Hormone that raises blood glucose

Testosterone

Male sex hormone controlling secondary sexual characteristics

Oestrogen

Female sex hormone controlling secondary sexual characteristics and menstrual cycle

Progesterone

Hormone maintaining the uterus lining during pregnancy

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

Hormone that stimulates egg development in ovaries

LH (Luteinising Hormone)

Hormone that triggers ovulation

What is a hormone?

A chemical messenger carried in the blood

Where are hormones produced?

In endocrine glands

What is a target organ?

The organ that responds to a hormone

How do hormones travel around the body?

In the bloodstream

Which system uses hormones?

The endocrine system

Is hormonal response fast or slow?

Slow but long‑lasting

What does adrenaline do?

Prepares the body for “fight or flight”

How does adrenaline affect the body?

Increases heart rate and blood flow to muscles

What does insulin do?

Lowers blood glucose

What does glucagon do?

Raises blood glucose

What does testosterone control?

Male secondary sexual characteristics

What does oestrogen control?

Female secondary sexual characteristics and menstrual cycle

What does progesterone do?

Maintains the uterus lining

What does FSH do?

Stimulates egg development in ovaries

What does LH do?

Triggers ovulation

Why are hormones important?

They coordinate long‑term changes in the body