Hormones at work

The idea

Hormones are chemicals produced in different parts of the body and released at the appropriate time on signals from the brain; they regulate growth and development, many adolescent changes are mainly due to them, and some influence mood and behaviour.

The “why” question

Many changes happen to the body at about the same stage of life: a new voice, new hair, taller height, and more. Scientists ask a “why” question: why do these changes happen?

What do you think brings about so many changes in adolescence?

• Only the food we eat
• Certain chemicals made in our bodies
• Nothing; they happen by chance

Signals and hormones

Tap the brain, or press the button, to send a signal. Watch which part of the body releases a hormone, and what it leads to.

Hormones

Hormones are chemicals produced in different parts of the body and released at the appropriate time in response to signals from the brain. They regulate growth and development. Many changes of adolescence are mainly due to hormones, and some hormones influence mood and behaviour.

By staying informed, seeking support and guidance when needed, and making healthy decisions, you can build a strong foundation for your life ahead.

• Hormones | What the book says
• What they are | chemicals produced in the body
• Where they are made | in different parts of the body
• When they are released | at the appropriate time, in response to signals from the brain
• What they do | regulate growth and development; many adolescent changes are mainly due to them; some influence mood and behaviour

Notes

Hormones are chemicals produced in different parts of the body and released at the appropriate time on signals from the brain. They regulate growth and development; many changes of adolescence are mainly due to hormones, and some influence mood and behaviour.

Check yourself

What are hormones?

Hormones are released at the appropriate time in response to _.

In the picture, how many different parts of the body released a hormone after a signal from the brain?

Answer: 3

Three. Hormones are produced in different parts of the body.

Venkatesh grew a moustache and Devyani's voice changed. What mainly brings about many such changes in adolescence?

• Vitamins that we get only from food. Hormones are produced in our own bodies.
• Small parts of the brain. Hormones are chemicals. They are produced in different parts of the body.
• Chemicals produced in our bodies — correct. Yes! Hormones are chemicals produced in the body.
• signals from the brain — correct. Yes! The brain sends the signals.
• the food we ate at lunch. Food gives us energy, but hormones are released on signals from the brain.
• what the weather is like. The release of hormones follows signals from the brain.
• Eating more food than before. A balanced diet helps growth, but many changes are mainly due to hormones.
• Hormones made in their bodies — correct. Yes! Many changes of adolescence are mainly due to hormones.
• Copying what other children do. Changes in the body are mainly due to hormones, not to copying.