Introduction
Chemical Coordination and integration is the process that primarily takes place in our endocrine gland. This gland releases numerous hormones that regulate the functioning of different parts of the human body. In the animal kingdom, the vertebrates have a more advanced and complex endocrine system. These glands are not present in the plants, but they release other hormones that control their functioning.
Endocrine glands
The human endocrine glands are a combination of a complex network of glands that are responsible for producing several hormones at the right intervals in the human body that help in regulating the functions of tissues and cells in the body. Note, some of the endocrine glands are specific to either ovary in females and testes in males. Hormones secreted by these glands are categorised into two categories i.e., Lipid soluble hormones & Water-soluble hormones.
Chemical Nature of Hormone
The animal hormones may be classified into 6 categories.
- Amino acid derivatives:- The hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla and thyroxine from the thyroid gland are derived from amino acid.
- Short peptides:- The hormones Oxytocin and vasopressin from the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland are short peptides of 9 amino acids. The melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) from the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland is also short peptide of 13 amino acids.
- Long peptides :- The hormones insulin from the pancreas, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, calcitonin from the thyroid gland are longer peptides of above 30 amino acids , parathormone from the parathyroid gland consists of 84 amino acids.
- Protein:- The gonadotropic, thyrotropic and somatotropic hormones from the anterior lobe of pituitary are proteins with high molecular weights.
- Steroids (Fat soluble):- The hormones like cortisol and aldosterone from adrenal cortex, testosterone from interstitial cells of testes, oestrogen and progesterone from Graaffian follicles of ovary and placentas are the examples of steroid hormones. These hormones contain cholesterol and bile salts.
- Fatty acid derivative:- Prostaglandin
The list of the endocrine glands in the human body is as follows:-
- Thyroid gland
- Parathyroid glands
- Pituitary gland
- Adrenal glands
- Pancreas
- Gonads
- Pineal gland
- Hypothalamus
- Thymus
Functions of Various Gland Available in Human body
Components and Function of the Human endocrine system
As we have studied above, there are various components of the endocrine system. So, let us briefly discuss the role and responsibilities of these body parts separately.
- Hypothalamus: This gland is also part of the nervous system of the brain, which contains neurosecretory cells. They are associated with both the endocrine and nervous systems. The gonadotropin and growth hormone are released by the Hypothalamus.
- Pituitary Gland: This gland is also known as the master gland in the human body. The size of the pituitary gland is like a pea, and it is situated at the bottom of the brain. The other glands of the body are regulated by this gland. Some of the major hormones released by this gland are thyroid, FSH and LH.
- Pineal Gland: This gland is located in the brain. Melatonin is released by this gland that regulates the immunity, sleep clock etc., in the human body.
- Parathyroid Gland: It is a butterfly-like pair gland. This gland releases parathormone that assists our body in maintaining the phosphorus and calcium level in bones.
- Gonads: This gland is present in both males and females. It determines sexual characteristics. It is a reproductive gland in the male. It is present in the form of the testis that secretes testosterone. It determines secondary sexual features in males. Similarly, in females, it is present as a pair of ovaries.
- Pancreas: The pancreas is both the endocrine and exocrine glands. It produces hormones such as insulin which balances the sugar level in the blood and glucagon. Apart from these, it also secretes pancreatic polypeptide and somatostatin.
- Testes: Testes are present in men . It produces sperm, sex hormone and testosterone.
- Ovaries: Ovaries secrete progesterone, oestrogen and various female sex hormones.
- Adrenal Gland-It is located above the kidney. It secretes adrenaline, glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. These hormones regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions.
Properties of various Hormones secreted by the human body
- These hormones are secreted by endocrine glands and directly get into the blood
- These hormones have a short life and they are free from antigens
- Proinsulin Hormones which are secreted by the pituitary gland are formed in inactive forms.
- Hormones harmonise different metabolic and physical activities
- Low concentrations are required
- These hormones also act quickly
Conclusion
Above we have studied the Chemical coordination and regulation definition,
Chemical coordination and regulation examples and endocrine glands. Our body secretes numerous hormones daily. The endocrine system is one of the most important systems of the human body as all of the human growth like mutation, reproduction, body growth etc are dependent upon this. Chemical Coordination and integration is the process that primarily takes place in our endocrine gland. This gland releases numerous hormones that regulate the functioning of different parts of the human body.
The human body produces has various glands like the Thyroid gland, Parathyroid glands, Pituitary gland, Adrenal glands, Pancreas, Gonads, Pineal gland that secretes various hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, testosterone, adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones are very essential for various functions of the human body.