Video Summary

Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream and help regulate body functions. They are produced by glands in the endocrine system and are released into the bloodstream when needed. Hormones can affect a wide range of bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood. Hormones work by binding to receptors on target cells. When a hormone binds to a receptor, it causes the receptor to change shape, which in turn activates a series of chemical reactions inside the cell. These reactions can lead to changes in the cell's activity, such as the production of new proteins or the activation of genes. The effects of hormones can be either short-term or long-term. Short-term effects are typically caused by the rapid release of hormones in response to a stimulus. For example, the release of adrenaline in response to stress can cause the heart rate and breathing rate to increase. Long-term effects are typically caused by the sustained release of hormones over time. For example, the release of growth hormone during childhood can lead to an increase in height. Hormones play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis, the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment. They also play a role in reproduction, growth, and development.