Question

Which of the following associations between the hormone and its classification is FALSE? A. Cortisol-glucocorticoid B. Aldosterone-mineralcorticoid C. $\mathrm{ADH}$-mineralcorticoid D. Androgens-cortical sex hormones

Short answer

C. ADH-mineralcorticoid

Step-by-step solution

- Identify the hormone classifications

List each hormone and its correct classification: 1. Cortisol is classified as a glucocorticoid. 2. Aldosterone is classified as a mineralcorticoid. 3. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is classified as a peptide hormone, not a mineralcorticoid. 4. Androgens are classified as cortical sex hormones.

- Compare classifications with given associations

Evaluate each option to see if the classification matches: A. Cortisol is correctly classified as a glucocorticoid. B. Aldosterone is correctly classified as a mineralcorticoid. C. ADH is incorrectly classified as a mineralcorticoid; it is a peptide hormone. D. Androgens are correctly classified as cortical sex hormones.

- Identify the false association

From the comparisons, it is clear that option C is the incorrect association since ADH is not a mineralcorticoid.

Key concepts

Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex. They play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, inflammation, and immune response. The most well-known glucocorticoid is cortisol.
Cortisol helps your body respond to stress and has multiple functions:

• Increases blood sugar through gluconeogenesis.
• Suppresses immune system response to reduce inflammation.
• Regulates metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

These hormones are vital for maintaining homeostasis, especially in times of stress. Excess or deficiency in glucocorticoid levels can lead to health problems like Cushing's syndrome (excess) or Addison's disease (deficiency).

Mineralcorticoids

Mineralcorticoids are another group of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex. Their primary function is to regulate salt and water balances in the body. The most prominent mineralcorticoid is aldosterone.
Aldosterone has key roles including:

• Increasing reabsorption of sodium in the kidneys.
• Promoting the excretion of potassium.
• Helping to control blood pressure by managing the volume of fluids in the body.

Proper functioning of mineralcorticoids is essential for maintaining fluid balance and normal blood pressure. Imbalances can lead to conditions such as hyperaldosteronism (excess production) or hypoaldosteronism (deficiency).

Peptide Hormones

Peptide hormones are chains of amino acids and are produced by various glands throughout the body. They act by binding to receptors on cell surfaces and initiating signal transduction pathways.
One key peptide hormone is antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin. ADH plays important roles such as:

• Regulating water balance by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.
• Constriction of blood vessels, which helps to raise blood pressure.

Peptide hormones are critical for many physiological processes including growth, metabolism, and stress responses. Because they bind to surface receptors, their action is generally faster than steroid hormones, which have intracellular receptors.

Cortical Sex Hormones

Cortical sex hormones are produced in the adrenal cortex and include androgens like DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and estrogens. These hormones complement the sex hormones produced by the gonads (ovaries and testes).
Functions of cortical sex hormones include contributing to:

• Development and maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics.
• Involvement in the reproductive system functions.
• Influencing libido and sexual behavior.

Androgens, specifically, have additional roles in both males and females beyond reproduction, affecting muscle mass, bone density, and the overall sense of well-being. Disruptions in their production can have significant impacts on development and health.