Animal Hormones

Hormones

Organic compounds secreted from cells that act on target cells far from their point of origin.

Polypeptides

A class of hormones made of chains of amino acids.

Amine hormones

Hormones derived from amino acids.

Steroids

Lipid-soluble hormones that often bind to receptors inside target cells.

Plasma membrane permeability

Hormones may alter the permeability of the plasma membrane of target cells.

Homeostasis

The regulation of internal conditions in an organism to maintain stable and constant internal conditions.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

A hormone that helps regulate water balance in the body by promoting water conservation in the kidneys.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

Hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in response to low blood oxygen levels.

Insulin

A hormone that lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

Glucagon

A hormone that increases blood glucose levels by stimulating glucose release from the liver.

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid hormone that helps regulate metabolism and response to stress.

Testosterone

A male sex hormone involved in the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics.

Estradiol

A primary female sex hormone responsible for the development and maintenance of female reproductive tissues.

Negative feedback loop

A control mechanism in which a change in a variable triggers a response that counteracts the initial change.

Acromegaly

A disorder resulting from excess growth hormone after puberty, characterized by enlarged bones and tissues.