Hormones are substances segregated cells of the endocrine glands. Their functions are so wide ranging from the growth, reproduction through control of some organs of the body.

In addition to the hormones produced naturally by the body, there are other artificially created and used in medical treatments. For example, when women suffer from the symptoms of menopause are administered estrogen.

Discovery of hormones

The first function hormones developed by the French physician discovered Claude Bernard in 1851. He followed the same path as other Vulpian or Gley.

The discovery of the first hormone arrive in 1901 at the hands of a Japanese Takamine. The term "hormone" will be established in 1905 by Starling and Baylis.

Throughout the twentieth century successive discoveries of all hormones and deepens the understanding of their functions and mechanisms. There is the influence of the same in the body and is found that can cause certain diseases.

Another major breakthrough would occur in the 60s cuado began to artificially synthesize as important as a hormone insulin. This is necessary in the treatment of some types of diabetes.

Functions hormones

Hormones caused by the endocrine glands go directly into the blood from it and go to the organ, tissue or cell type on which to act.

They are chemical messengers such as neurotransmitters, which carry signals from one place to another. For example, can be produced by cells in order to modify the ability of others to allow the passage of a particular substance.

The main functions of hormones include:

·  Growth of a person.

·  Development of the sexual organs.

·  Reproduction.

·  Control of certain organs such as the thyroid.