Medical Books and Lectures notes - Free downloads

Hormones are the chemical messengers of the body. They are defined as organic substances secreted into blood stream to control the metabolic and biological activities. These hormones are involved in transmission of information from one tissue to another and from cell to cell. These substances are produced in small amounts by various endocrine (ductless) glands in the body. They are delivered directly to the blood in minute quantities and are carried by the blood to various target organs where these exert physiological effect and control metabolic activities. Thus frequently their site of action is away from their origin. Hormonesare required in trace amounts and are highly specific in their functions. The deficiency of any hormones leads to a particular disease, which can be cured by administration of that hormone. Classification of Hormones Hormones are classified on the basis of (i) their structure (ii) their site of activity in the cell. Steroids on which the above classification is

KEY VOCABULARY   The following terms will be used during this lesson: ·          Conscious  - patient is awake and responds to stimuli appropriately ·          Coma  - patient is not aroused by external stimuli ·          Diabetes mellitus  - endocrine disorder characterized by inadequate insulin production by beta   cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas ·          Endocrine Glands  - glands that secrete hormones directly into the blood stream ·          Glucose  – source of energy required by cells for normal functioning ·          Hyperglycemia  - abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood ·          Hypoglycemia  - abnormally low levels of glucose in the blood ·          Hormones  - chemical substances released by a gland that control or affect other glands or   body systems ·          Insulin  – hormone secreted by pancreas which allows cells to use glucose ·          Ketoacidosis  - complication of diabetes that occurs from too little insulin production o