Definitions [1]
Define the following term:
Hormones
Hormones are chemical messengers created by the endocrine glands and transported through the bloodstream to govern body functions such as development, metabolism, reproduction and mood by interacting with specific target cells.
Key Points
Key Points: Hormonal Regulation in Animals
- Hormones are chemical messengers that help in control and coordination by carrying signals through the blood to different parts of the body.
- Adrenaline helps the body to face stress or danger by increasing heart rate, breathing, and sending more blood to muscles.
- Thyroxin, made by the thyroid gland, controls the body’s metabolism; iodine is needed to make thyroxin, and its lack can cause goitre.
- The pituitary gland makes growth hormone, which controls height and body growth; too little of it in childhood causes dwarfism.
- Insulin, made by the pancreas, controls blood sugar levels; its shortage causes diabetes, and insulin injections help control it.
