Question

Write short notes on the functions of the following hormones:
a) Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
b) Thyroid hormone
c) Thymosins
d) Androgens
e) Estrogen
f) Insulin and glucagon

Answer 1

Hint: Hormones are chemical messengers.
It is secreted directly into the blood, which carries them to organs and tissues of the body to exert their functions.

Complete answer: a) Parathyroid hormone (PTH): Parathyroid hormone (PTH), also called parathormone or parathyrin. It is a hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands that regulate the serum calcium concentration through its effects on bone, kidney, and intestine.

b) Thyroid hormone: Thyroid hormones are two hormones produced and released by the thyroid gland, namely triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)
It plays a major role in the metabolism, growth, and development of the human body.
It helps to regulate many body functions by constantly releasing a steady amount of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream.
The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, which are located in the brain, help control the thyroid gland.

c) Thymosins: Three major thymus hormones are- thymosin, thymopoietin, and thymulin. They are thought to reside in the cytoplasm of the thymus epithelial cell.
Thymosins’ primary function is to stimulate the production of T cells, which are an important part of the immune system. Thymosin also assists in the development of B cells to plasma cells to produce antibodies.

d) Androgens: Androgens are a group of hormones that play a role in male traits and reproductive activity.
The principle androgens are testosterone and androstenedione.
Androgens are crucial for male sexual and reproductive function.
They are also responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in men, including facial and body hair growth and voice change.

e) Estrogen: Estrogens are hormones that are important for sexual and reproductive development, mainly in women. The ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat tissues produce estrogen.
The term "estrogen" refers to all of the chemically similar hormones in this group, which are estrone, estradiol (primary in women of reproductive age), and estriol.

f) Insulin and glucagon: Insulin and glucagon are produced by the pancreas.
Glucagon and insulin work in tandem to control the balance of glucose in the bloodstream
Insulin and glucagon control blood glucose concentration by producing antagonistic action.

Note: Tumors of the ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), both causes too much androgen production in the female.