Question

Define 'hormones'. Name the hormone secreted by thyroid. Write its function. Why is the use of iodised salt advised to us?

Answer 1

Hormones are intercellular chemical messengers secreted by specific endocrine glands of the body. They travel throughout the body to reach the target organs or cells and initiate a process. Chemically, hormones are proteins. Once the hormone is secreted from the gland, it is directly poured into the blood stream, which transports it to the site of action. They maintain the balance of biological activities in the body.

The hormone secreted by thyroid gland is thyroxine hormone. It regulates carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism in the body.

It is advised to use iodised salt because iodine is required for the synthesis of thyroxine hormone. Deficiency of iodine would result in deficiency of thyroxine hormone and in turn lead to a disease called goitre.