STEMFIELD INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

SESSION -2022-2023
CLASS – XI SCIENCE

BIOLOGY INVESTIGATORY PROJECT

TOPIC –
HUMAN HORMONES

SUBMITTED TO – SUBMITTED BY-

Mrs. Sumna Sharma Payoja Raj
Ma’am Roll No. – 11A04
 CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that Payoja Raj, student
of Class XI Science has successfully
completed their Biology Project on the
topic “Human Hormones” under the
guidance of Mrs. Sumna Sharma for the
academic session 2022-23.

Teacher’s Signature Principal’s signature

________________ ________________
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my special thanks of
gratitude to my Biology Teacher Mrs.
Sumna Sharma as well as our respected
Principal Mrs. Manmeet Kohli who gave
me the golden opportunity to do this
wonderful project on the topic “Human
Hormones”.

I would also like to thank my parents and

friends who helped me a lot in finalising
this project within the given time frame.

Payoja Raj
XI Sci
11A04
 CONTENTS

o Introduction
o History
o Definition
o Structure of hormones
o Functions of hormones
o Parts of endocrine system : Location, function,
hormones secreted
o Mechanisms of Hormone Action
o Hormone Therapy
o Hormone Supplements
o Conclusion
o Bibliography
HISTORY OF HORMONES

• In 1902, William Bayliss and Ernest Starling found that in

response to the delivery of acidic fluid from the stomach
to the intestine, secretin, an internal secretion, was
released into the blood from the endocrine cells of the
duodenum.
• They also revealed that secretin stimulates the secretion
of bicarbonate from the pancreas that neutralizes acidic
fluid in the intestine.
• In 1905, Ernest Starling first coined the term ‘hormone’,
and ‘secretin’ was the first described hormone.
• The nature and work of chemical messengers in the
body had already attracted the interest of scientists
before Starling.
• Experimental work by pioneers such as Arnold
Adolphe Berthold in Germany and Claude Bernard in
France, in the middle of the nineteenth century,
established the concept that some sort of chemical
communication takes place between different organs
in an animal.
• Later in the same century, several physicians described
the successful treatment of patients with certain
disorders by administering extracts of animal
endocrine tissues, such as the thyroid, adrenal glands
and pancreas; they subsequently showed that these
disorders were due to hormonal deficiencies.
 DEFINITION
• Hormones are non-nutrient chemicals which act as
intercellular messengers and are produced in trace
amounts.
• These messages or signals are passed through the
blood to arrive at a target organ, which has cells
possessing the appropriate receptor.

STRUCTURE OF HORMONES
The hormones of the human body can be structurally
divided into three major groups:
1. Amino acid derivatives (amines)
2. Peptides, and
3. Steroids
These chemical groups affect a hormone’s distribution,
the type of receptors it binds to, and other aspects of
its function.
 GENERAL FUNCTIONS OF
HORMONES
• Regulate mood and cognitive functions.
• Growth and development
• Food metabolism
• Maintaining body temperature
• Controlling thirst and hunger
• Initiating and maintaining sexual development and
reproduction.
THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
❑ The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce
and secrete hormones, chemical substances produced in the
body that regulate the activity of cells or organs.
❑ These hormones regulate the body’s growth, metabolism
(the physical and chemical processes of the body), and sexual
development and function.
❑ The hormones are released into the bloodstream and may
affect one or several organs throughout the body.
❑ The major glands of the endocrine system are the
hypothalamus, pituitary, thymus, thyroid, parathyroids,
adrenal, pineal body, pancreas and the reproductive organs
(ovary and testis).

The Endocrine System comprises of :

Endocrine Glands Hormones

 PARTS OF THE ENDOCRINE
SYSTEM

1. Hypothalamus
2. Pituitary Gland
3. Pineal Gland
4. Thyroid Gland
5. Parathyroid Gland
6. Thymus
7. Adrenal Gland
8. Pancreas
9. Testis
10. Ovary
 HYPOTHALAMUS
❑Hypothalamus is a minute region, almost the size
of an almond, present at the center of the human
brain, near the pituitary gland.
❑ It consists of three main regions:
• The anterior region.
• The middle region.
• The posterior region.
❑ It plays a vital role in the production of hormones.
Maintaining the hypothalamus health is very
important. Its improper functioning causes several
disorders.
HORMONES SECRETED:
The anterior region of the hypothalamus is responsible for
hormone secretion. The nuclei present in this region lead the
process. The important hormones secreted by hypothalamus
are:
1. Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone: This hormone is
responsible for the regulation of metabolic and immune
response.
2. Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone: It triggers the
pituitary gland to release a thyroid-stimulating hormone
which plays a major role in the functioning of organs of
the body such as heart, muscles, etc.
3. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone: It stimulates the
pituitary gland to release several reproductive hormones.
4. Oxytocin: It is involved in several processes such as
lactation, childbirth, regulating sleep cycles, maintaining
body temperature.
5. Somatostatin: This hormone is also known as Growth
Hormone Inhibiting Hormone. It regulates the endocrine
system and affects the neurotransmission and cell
proliferation by interacting with G-protein coupled
receptors.
The middle region of hypothalamus stimulates the release of
Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone. This hormone plays
a major role in the growth and development of the body.
 PITUITARY GLAND
• The Pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis, is a
pea-sized endocrine gland situated at the base of our
brain.
• It is often referred to as the ‘Master Gland’ because it
produces some of the important hormones in the body.
• The pituitary gland is divided into three parts, also called
lobes:
1. Anterior pituitary
2. Intermediate pituitary (absent in adult human beings)
3. Posterior pituitary

HORMONES SECRETED :
Anterior Pituitary Hormones –
1. Human Growth Hormone (HGH): Responsible for the
growth and repair of all cells in the body.
2. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Influences the
thyroid gland for the release of thyroxine, its own
hormone. TSH is also called Thyrotropin.
3. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Influences
the adrenal gland to release of Cortisol or the “stress
hormone”. ACTH is also known as corticotropin.
4. Luteinising Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating
Hormone (FSH): Collectively known as Gonadotropins,
 LH and FSH control the sexual and reproductive
characteristics in males and females.
5. Prolactin (PRL): Produces milk in the breast. Though it
is present at all times, the secretion is increased during
and just after pregnancy.
6. Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (MSH): Involved in
the stimulation of the production of melanin by skin and
hair.

Posterior Pituitary Hormones-

The posterior pituitary is responsible for the storage and
secretion of two very important hormones:
1. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): Controls the water
balance of the body by affecting reabsorption of water by
the kidneys
2. Oxytocin: Controls certain aspects of pregnancy and
childbirth such as uterine contraction and production of
milk.
 PINEAL GLAND
1. It is a pinecone-shaped small gland located in the middle
of the human brain in between the two hemispheres in an
area called epithalamus. It was once known as “the third
eye”. It is the major site for melatonin secretion, which
regulates the body’s internal clock (Circadian rhythm).
2. This gland is rich in calcium levels. The calcium acts as a
radiographer to locate the middle of the brain in X-ray
images. It was also one of the last glands to be
discovered.

HORMONES SECRETED :
• The pineal gland synthesizes melatonin and serotonin,
hence they are also called as the Pineal Gland Hormone.
The pineal gland also produces neurosteroids.
• Serotonin is the precursor of melatonin. Serotonin is
acetylated and methylated to yield melatonin within the
pineal gland. The light exposure to the eyes affects the
synthesis and secretion of melatonin.
• Two melatonin receptors have been found in mammals-
Mel1A and Mel1B. These are G-protein coupled cell
surface receptors.
• Melatonin affects circadian rhythm.
• The secretion of gonadotropins from the
anterior Pituitary gland is blocked by melatonin thereby
affecting reproduction. These hormones aid in the
development of ovaries and testes.

THYROID GLAND
• The thyroid gland is a ductless endocrine gland situated
in the anterior/front portion of the neck.
• It roughly resembles the shape of a butterfly.
• It is also one of the largest endocrine glands, weighing an
average of 25 – 30 g.
• This gland has two lobes on either side of the trachea,
with each lobe measuring 4 – 6 cm in length and 1.3 –
1.8 cm in width.
 HORMONES SECRETED:
There are two thyroid hormones:
• T4: Thyroxine (Tetraiodothyronine)
• T3: Triiodothyronine
1. T4
Thyroxine is a hormone secreted by the thyroid gland in
the bloodstream. It then travels to the organs such as kidneys
and liver where it gets converted into and gets converted into
its active form triiodothyronine.
2. T3
It is a thyroid hormone that affects physiological
processes such as growth, development, metabolism, etc.

PARATHYROID GLAND
• The parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands
situated just below the thyroid glands in the neck. They
are usually four in number, two behind each thyroid
gland. They are very small, pea-sized and weigh about 50
mg. The glands function to maintain the calcium and
phosphorus levels in our bodies.
• Until the 20th century, scientists failed to recognise a
gland separate from the thyroid glands, because of the
small size of the parathyroid glands. Now, the two glands
can be differentiated easily as the thyroid glands have a
follicular structure, and the cells of a parathyroid gland
are densely packed.
 HORMONES SECRETED:
Parathyroid hormone is secreted from four parathyroid glands,
which are small glands in the neck, located behind the thyroid
gland. Parathyroid hormone regulates calcium levels in the
blood, largely by increasing the levels when they are too
low. It does this through its actions on the kidneys, bones
and intestine:

1. Bones – parathyroid hormone stimulates the release of

calcium from large calcium stores in the bones into the
bloodstream. This increases bone destruction and
decreases the formation of new bone.

2. Kidneys – parathyroid hormone reduces loss of calcium

in urine. Parathyroid hormone also stimulates the
production of active vitamin D in the kidneys.

3. Intestine – parathyroid hormone indirectly increases

calcium absorption from food in the intestine, via its
effects on vitamin D metabolism.
 THYMUS
• The thymus gland is a very unique organ that is at its
largest in children and shrinks away as the body grows
older. It is about 2.5 to 5 cm wide, 4 to 6 cm long and 1
cm thick at birth.
• The thymus gland is located in the anterior part of the
chest, right behind the breastbone (or the sternum) and
between the lungs. It has a pinkish-grey complexion and
is lobed, with primary two lobes and smaller lobes
radiating from within. The two lobes may be separated or
united and generally vary in size.

HORMONE SECRETED:
To stimulate the production of T-Cells, the thymus secretes
a hormone called Thymosin. Then, a type of white blood cell
called lymphocytes pass through the thymus and gets
transformed into T-Cells. Once these T-cells have matured,
they migrate to the lymph nodes in the body and consequently
aid the immune system. The thymus gland is only active until
puberty, however, they produce all the T-cells required by the
body well before this period.
 ADRENAL GLANDS
The Adrenal Glands are found on top of each kidney. Even the
name “Adrenal” directly refers to their location: (Latin: ad–
“near” and renes – “kidneys.”).
On the anterior side of the right adrenal gland sits the Inferior
vena cava and the right lobe of the liver. The posterior side is
flanked by the right crus of the diaphragm. The stomach,
pancreas and spleen sit on the anterior side of the left adrenal
gland. The posterior side is flanked by the left crus of the
diaphragm.

HORMONES SECRETED:
• Epinephrine: Also called adrenaline, this hormone
rapidly responds to stress by increasing the heart rate and
raising blood glucose levels in the blood.
• Norepinephrine: Also called noradrenaline, this
hormone works with epinephrine in reacting to stress. Its
primary function is to mobilize the body and brain for
action.
• Hydrocortisone: It is commonly known as cortisol or a
steroid hormone. It is involved in regulating body
functions like the conversion of fats, and carbohydrates
to energy and also plays a vital role in other metabolic
processes.
• Corticosterone: This hormone works with
hydrocortisone to control the immune response and
prevents inflammatory reactions.

PANCREAS
Part of the gastrointestinal system, the pancreas
synthesizes and secretes digestive enzymes in the
intestine.
It is referred to as a mixed or a heterocrine gland. Since
it functions both as endocrine as well as an exocrine
gland, it is a dual organ. 99% of the pancreas accounts
for exocrine functionalities, while a mere 1% for
endocrine.
HORMONES SECRETED:
1% of the cells in the pancreas form islets of Langerhans. It
has four types of cells that secrete different hormones:
• α-cells:
20% of the cells in the islets of Langerhans are α-cells.
These secrete glucagon hormone.
This hormone increases blood sugar levels by the breakdown
of glycogen and causes glucose production.
This hormone is also called hyperglycemic hormone.
• β-Cells:
Form 70% of the islets of Langerhans.
These cells secrete insulin.
Insulin is responsible for decreasing blood sugar levels.
This hormone makes glucose available for cellular respiration.
• D-Cells:
Make up 5% of the Langerhans islets.
These cells secrete somatostatin.
This hormone decreases the secretion of both glucagon and
insulin.
• F- cells:
These cells secrete pancreatic polypeptide.
 TESTIS

❑ The location of testis is in the scrotal sacs present outside

the abdominal cavity.
❑ They are the primary sex organ as well as endocrine in
function.
❑ The testis includes seminiferous tubules and interstitial
cells.
❑ The interstitial cells or Leydig cells secrete hormones
known as Testosterone and Androgens.
❑ These hormones regulate spermatogenesis, the
development of beards and moustaches, as well as the
maturation of male accessory sex organs.
❑ These hormones produce anabolic effects on protein and
carbohydrate metabolism.
 OVARY
❑ The paired ovaries lie in the lower pelvic region of the
abdominal cavity. It is one of the primary sex organs.
❑ They secrete two hormones namely, estrogen and
progesterone .
Estrogen helps in :
1. Development of accessory sex organs
2. Development of mammary glands
3. Menstrual cycle
4. Ovulation
5. Water balance, by increasing water content and thickness
of skin.
Progesterone helps in :
1. Enhancing the blood supply of the wall of the uterus
2. Placentation
3. Development of breast during pregnancy
4. Helps in the promotion of retention of water and sodium
salts by affecting kidney functions.
MECHANISM OF HORMONE ACTION
The mechanism of hormone action is grouped into two
classes:
• Fixed membrane receptor mechanism
• Mobile receptor mechanism

FIXED MEMBRANE RECEPTOR MECHANISM

• This type of mechanism is shown by the water-soluble
hormones that are amines or proteins in composition
such as the growth hormone, oxytocin, ADH, etc.
• These hormones can’t pass through the lipid membrane.
They have their target receptor on the cell membrane to
which the hormone binds.
• When the hormone binds on the specific target receptor,
the enzyme adenyl cyclase in the cell membrane is
activated. This helps in the production of cyclic AMP
(cAMP).
• cAMP acts as the secondary messenger. It diffuses
through the cell membrane and activates several
enzymatic reactions to cause biochemical changes.
• The target cell responds to these changes and cAMP
is deactivated by the enzyme phosphodiesterase.
MOBILE RECEPTOR MEMBRANE
• This type of mechanism is shown by lipid soluble
hormones such as fatty acids and steroids that can easily
pass through the plasma membrane.
• They possess intracellular receptors. The hormones bind
to the target receptor that activates the enzymatic activity
of the cell to bring about biochemical changes.
• Transcription of DNA is initiated by the hormone-
receptor complex.
• The mRNA is translated into protein. This protein causes
biochemical changes inside the cell.
 HORMONE THERAPY
❑ Some cancers depend on hormones to grow. Because of
this, treatments that block or alter hormones can
sometimes help slow or stop the growth of these cancers.
Treating cancer with hormones is called hormone
therapy, hormonal therapy, or endocrine therapy.
Hormone therapy is mostly used to treat certain kinds of
breast cancer and prostate cancer that depend on sex
hormones to grow. A few other cancers can be treated
with hormone therapy, too.
❑ Hormone therapy is considered a systemic treatment
because the hormones they target circulate in the body.
The drugs used in hormone therapy travel throughout the
body to target and find the hormones. This makes it
different from treatments that affect only a certain part of
body, like most types of surgery and radiation therapy.
Treatments like these are called local treatments because
they affect one part of the body.

HOW HORMONE THERAPY WORKS?

1. Hormone therapy travels throughout the body to find and
target hormones. Different types of hormone therapy
work in different ways. They can:
• Stop the body from making the hormone
• Block the hormone from attaching to cancer cells
• Alter the hormone so it doesn't work like it should
2. Hormone therapy can be used to:
• Treat a certain kind of cancer by stopping or slowing its
growth
• Lessen symptoms related to a certain type of cancer

GETTING HORMONE THERAPY

1. Oral drugs
Many types of hormone therapy are drugs that are taken by
mouth. In these cases, you swallow the pill, capsule, or liquid
just like other medicines.
2. Injectable drugs
Some types of hormone therapy are injections given in the
arm, leg, or hip. These are called intramuscular (or IM)
injections. There are also types that are given just under the
skin of the abdomen (belly). These are called subcutaneous
(SC or sub-Q) injections.
3. Surgery to remove hormone-making organs
Some types of surgery can also be forms of hormone therapy.
For example, an orchiectomy (surgery to remove the testicles)
can be an option for some men with prostate cancer who need
hormone therapy as part of their treatment.
 HORMONE SUPPLEMENTS
Supplementation can be particularly effective in helping
balance the hormones in those who have experienced
hormonal imbalance.
1. Magnesium
• Magnesium is one of the most essential minerals to help
balance hormones.
2. B Vitamins
• Taking a high-quality B-complex supplement is a really
good idea when you’re in the throes of hormonal ups and
downs.
3. Probiotics
• Probiotics are essential to help balance hormones.
4. Omega 3 fatty acids
5. Vitamin D3
 CONCLUSION
Here, I have come to the end of the project on the
topic “HUMAN HORMONES”.
I would like to share my experience while doing
this project. I learnt many new things about the
different hormones in our body and it was a
wonderful experience for me while working on
this project.

This project has developed my more interest in this

subject. This project gave me real insight into the
working of our body.

A very special thanks to my respected biology

teacher for assigning this project to me. I enjoyed
every bit of work, I put into this project. I do hope
that my work will be interesting and maybe even
knowledgeable.

THANK YOU!
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

I successfully completed my project by the help of

➢Textbook of Class XI, Biology, NCERT

➢www.wikipedia.org

➢www.google.com

➢www.byjus.com

➢in.pinterest.com

➢slidesgo.com