24  •  Hormones 969

Mood, emotions, growth, and more: hormones as master regulators

Hormones are chemical messengers regulating cell functions. 970

24.1

The “cuddle” chemical: oxytocin increases trust and enhances pair bonding. 970

24.2

Hormones travel through the circulatory system to influence cells elsewhere in the body. 971

24.3

Hormones can regulate target tissues in different ways. 973

Hormones are produced in glands throughout the body. 976

24.4

The hypothalamus controls secretions of the pituitary. 976

24.5

Other endocrine glands also produce and secrete hormones. 978

Hormones influence nearly every facet of an organism. 983

24.6

Hormones can affect physique and physical performance. 983

24.7

Hormones can affect mood. 985

24.8

Hormones can affect behavior. 987

24.9

Hormones can affect cognitive performance. 988

24.10

Hormones can affect health and longevity. 990

Environmental contaminants can disrupt normal hormone functioning. 992

24.11

Chemicals in the environment can mimic or block hormones, with disastrous results. 992

24.12

This is how we do it: Would you like your receipt? (Maybe not.) 994

StreetBIO: KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN USE

Are pheromones real-life “Love Potions”? 996