Hormone, glucocorticoid
A hormone that predominantly affects the metabolism of carbohydrates and, to a lesser extent, fats and proteins (and has other effects). Glucocorticoids are made in the outside portion (the cortex) of the adrenal gland and chemically classed as steroids. Cortisol is the major natural glucocorticoid. The term glucocorticoid also applies to equivalent hormones synthesized in the laboratory.
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- Hormone, growth
A hormone made in the pituitary gland that stimulates the release of another hormone called somatomedin by the liver, thereby causing growth. Growth hormone is synonymous with somatotropin and somatropin. More specifically (and technically), growth hormone is produced by the anterior pituitary, the front section of the gland, and is a polypeptide consisting of 191 […]
- Hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin
Human chorionic gonadotropin.
- Hormone, mineralocorticoid
A group of hormones, the most important being aldosterone, that regulates the balance of water and electrolytes (ions such as sodium and potassium) in the body. The mineralocorticoid hormones act specifically on the tubules of the kidney.
- Hormone, parathormone
Hormone made by the parathyroid gland (behind the thyroid gland in the neck). Parathormone (pronounced para-thor-mone) is critical to calcium and phosphorus balance. Deficiency of parathormone results in abnormally low calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia). Also call parathyrin.
- Hormone, progesterone
A female hormone, progesterone is the principal progestational hormone. Progestational hormones prepare the uterus (the womb) to receive and sustain the fertilized egg.