Question

Name the five steroid hormones derived from cholesterol and briefly describe their metabolic functions in humans.

Short answer

Question: List the five steroid hormones derived from cholesterol and briefly describe their metabolic functions in humans. Answer: The five major steroid hormones derived from cholesterol and their metabolic functions are: 1. Progesterone: Regulates the menstrual cycle and maintains pregnancy by preparing the uterus lining for possible pregnancy. 2. Aldosterone: Regulates fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, contributing to blood pressure regulation and overall homeostasis. 3. Testosterone: Primary male sex hormone involved in male reproductive tissue development, muscle mass, bone density, and body hair growth. 4. Estrogens (such as estradiol): Primary female sex hormones involved in female reproductive tissue development, menstrual cycle regulation, and pregnancy maintenance. 5. Cortisol: Stress hormone regulating metabolism, immune response, and the body's response to stress, including blood sugar, blood pressure, and inflammation control.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding steroid hormones and cholesterol

Steroid hormones are a class of hormones that have a distinct structure derived from cholesterol. Cholesterol is an essential lipid molecule present in the cell membrane and is a precursor for the synthesis of these steroid hormones. Now, let's name the five steroid hormones derived from cholesterol and describe their metabolic functions in humans.

Naming the five steroid hormones

The five major steroid hormones derived from cholesterol are: 1. Progesterone 2. Aldosterone 3. Testosterone 4. Estrogens (such as estradiol) 5. Cortisol

Describing their metabolic functions

1. Progesterone: It plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy. It helps to regulate the tissue lining the uterus (endometrium) and prepares the body for possible pregnancy by thickening the endometrial lining. 2. Aldosterone: It regulates fluid and electrolyte balance in the body by regulating the reabsorption of sodium ions and excretion of potassium ions in the kidneys' tubules. This hormone plays a vital role in maintaining blood pressure and overall homeostasis. 3. Testosterone: It is the primary male sex hormone and plays a crucial role in the development of male reproductive tissues, such as the testes and prostate. Testosterone also contributes to muscle mass, bone density, and body hair growth. 4. Estrogens (such as estradiol): They are the primary female sex hormones and play a critical role in the development of female reproductive tissues, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. Estrogens also contribute to the regulation of the menstrual cycle and the maintenance of pregnancy. 5. Cortisol: It is a stress hormone that regulates a range of vital functions in the body, including metabolism, immune response, and the body's response to stress. Cortisol helps to regulate blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and inflammation, among other processes.