Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands. This group includes glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, which influences metabolism and immune response, and mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone, which regulate electrolyte and water balance. Corticosteroids have powerful anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, making them valuable in treating various medical …
DeepakRajput 
Oxytocin: Physiology, Pathology, and Clinical Uses
Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including uterine contractions during labor and delivery, the ejection of milk from mammary glands during breastfeeding, and social bonding and attachment. Referred to as the “love hormone” …
Progesterone: Physiology, Pathology, and Clinical Uses
Progesterone is a steroid hormone produced primarily by the ovaries in females, particularly by the corpus luteum after ovulation. During pregnancy, the placenta becomes a significant source of progesterone. This hormone is crucial in the menstrual cycle, preparing the uterine lining for potential embryo implantation during the luteal phase. In …
Estrogen: Physiology, Pathology, and Clinical Uses
Estrogen is a group of steroid hormones primarily produced by the ovaries in females. It plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system, influencing processes such as the menstrual cycle, secondary sexual characteristics, and pregnancy. The three main types of estrogen are estradiol, estriol, …
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Physiology, Pathology, and Clinical Uses
Healthcare providers use oral hypoglycemic agents to treat diabetes mellitus. Healthcare providers administer these agents orally to lower elevated blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Various types of oral hypoglycemic agents exist, each with distinct mechanisms of action. These include, but are not limited to, biguanides, sulfonylureas, …
Insulin: Physiology, Pathology, and Clinical Uses
Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas that plays a central role in regulating glucose metabolism. Its primary function is to facilitate glucose uptake by cells, promoting the storage of excess glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Insulin also stimulates the synthesis of …
Vitamin D: Physiology, Pathology, and Clinical Uses
Vitamin D is a vital fat-soluble nutrient for regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism. It includes forms like D2 (from plant sources) and D3 (synthesized in the skin and found in animal-based foods). Its primary role is aiding the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestines, which are vital for …
Calcitonin: Physiology, Pathology, and Clinical Uses
Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the parafollicular cells (C cells) of the thyroid gland. It plays a crucial role in calcium homeostasis by opposing the action of parathyroid hormone (PTH). While PTH raises blood calcium levels, calcitonin works to lower them. 1. Physiology of Calcitonin Source: Calcitonin is produced …
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH): Physiology, Pathology, and Clinical Uses
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a critical hormone that regulates calcium and phosphate levels in the body. It is produced and secreted by the parathyroid glands, four small pea-sized glands on the thyroid gland. PTH plays a central role in maintaining calcium homeostasis through its effects on bone, kidneys, and the …
Anti-Thyroid Drugs: Physiology, Pathology, and Clinical Uses
Anti-thyroid drugs are medications designed to treat hyperthyroidism by reducing the production of thyroid hormones, specifically thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The most common conditions treated with these drugs include Graves’ disease and toxic nodular goiter. The two main classes of anti-thyroid drugs are thionamides, which include propylthiouracil (PTU) and …
