Question

Give the functions of each of the following hormones: [4 MARKS]
(a) Insulin
(b) Thyroxin
(c) Adrenaline

Answer 1

a) 1 Mark
b) 1 Mark
c) 2 Marks

(a) Function of Insulin: it regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. It lowers the level of sugar in the blood by converting glucose to glycogen. It speeds the movement of glucose from the blood into tissue cells for cellular oxidation of food, thus bringing about more rapid release of energy. It also helps in the phosphorylation of glucose during respiration.

(b) Function of Thyroxin: it regulates the metabolic activities and oxidation processes in the tissues.

(c) Function of Adrenaline: it prepares an individual to meet emergency situations and bring about light or flight reactions. An increased secretion of adrenaline causes a rise in blood pressure, a stronger and more rapid heartbeat and partially inhibits intestinal movement. The rate of respiration increases. There is vasodilation of blood vessels in the skeletal muscles, heart, liver, brain, etc., so that these can receive more blood and more oxygen and soluble food to produce more energy to meet the emergency situation.