Hormones are vital chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate numerous bodily functions.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Body's chemical messengers regulating functions.
- Produced by glands, travel through blood.
- Crucial for growth, metabolism, and mood.
Overview
激素（jīsù）是一个在生物学和医学领域非常重要的词汇，指的是由身体的内分泌腺体（如甲状腺、胰腺、肾上腺等）产生并直接释放到血液中的化学物质。这些物质通过血液循环被运送到全身，作用于特定的靶器官或组织，调节各种生理活动，包括生长发育、新陈代谢、情绪、睡眠、生殖等。激素在维持身体内部环境的稳定（内稳态）方面起着至关重要的作用。
在日常语言中，‘激素’一词常用于讨论健康、医疗、食品安全以及个人生理变化等方面。它既可以指天然存在的生物激素，也可以指人工合成的激素（如用于治疗的药物）。在科学语境下，‘激素’特指具有特定生理功能的内分泌物质。
体育和健身：讨论运动对激素水平的影响，或某些运动员可能滥用合成代谢激素。
‘激素’（hormone）是一个广义的术语，涵盖了多种内分泌物质。与之相关的词汇包括：
- 荷尔蒙 (hè'ěrméng)：这是‘激素’的音译外来词，意思完全相同，两者可以互换使用，‘荷尔蒙’在口语中可能更常用，尤其是在讨论情绪和生理周期时。
- 内分泌 (nèifēnmì)：指激素的分泌过程，即内分泌腺将激素分泌到血液中的过程。
- 酶 (méi)：酶也是一种蛋白质，但其主要功能是作为生物催化剂，加速化学反应，与激素的信号传递功能不同。
- 维生素 (wéishēngsù)：维生素是维持生命活动必需的一类有机化合物，它们不能在体内合成或合成量不足，需要从食物中获取，主要起辅助代谢的作用，与激素的调节作用有本质区别。
Examples
胰岛素是一种重要的激素，用于控制血糖水平。
medicalInsulin is an important hormone used to control blood sugar levels.
青春期时，体内会分泌大量的性激素，引起身体的变化。
biologicalDuring puberty, large amounts of sex hormones are secreted, causing physical changes.
很多人担心吃快餐会摄入过多的‘坏激素’。
informal/health concernMany people worry about consuming too many 'bad hormones' from fast food.
生长激素水平的异常可能导致身材矮小或巨人症。
academic/medicalAbnormal levels of growth hormone can lead to dwarfism or gigantism.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
生长激素
growth hormone
性激素
sex hormone
甲状腺激素
thyroid hormone
压力激素
stress hormone
Often Confused With
Hormones act as signaling molecules, regulating body processes. Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions.
Vitamins are essential nutrients that support various metabolic functions but are not signaling molecules like hormones. The body cannot produce most vitamins and must obtain them from diet.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '激素' is widely used in both formal and informal Chinese contexts when discussing biology, health, and medicine. While '荷尔蒙' is a common synonym, '激素' is often preferred in more technical or scientific writing. Be mindful that in casual conversation, '激素' might sometimes be used loosely to refer to any substance perceived as unnatural or harmful.
Common Mistakes
Avoid using '激素' to refer to vitamins or enzymes, as they have distinct biological functions. Also, ensure context when using the term, as it can refer to natural bodily hormones or synthetic ones used in medicine or potentially found in food.
Tips
Understand Hormone's Role
Hormones are like messengers in your body, controlling everything from sleep to growth. Understanding them helps grasp many biological processes.
Beware of Misinformation
Be cautious about sensational claims regarding hormones, especially in non-scientific contexts. Consult reliable sources for health information.
Hormones in Popular Culture
Hormones are frequently discussed in media regarding puberty, aging, and mood swings, often simplifying complex biological processes.
Word Origin
The Chinese word '激素' (jīsù) literally translates to 'secretion' (jī) and 'substance' or 'element' (sù). It was coined to describe the chemical substances secreted by endocrine glands. The English word 'hormone' comes from the Greek word 'horman', meaning 'to set in motion' or 'to arouse'.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, discussions about hormones often touch upon concerns about food safety, particularly regarding the use of growth hormones in agriculture. There's also a cultural understanding of hormones influencing mood and physical changes, especially during puberty and aging.
Memory Tip
Think of '激素' (jīsù) as 'key' signals (jī) that 'suit' (sù) specific body functions, acting as messengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions内分泌腺是指不具有导管，其分泌物（激素）直接进入血液循环，并作用于身体其他部位的腺体。例如，甲状腺、肾上腺、垂体等都是内分泌腺。
激素和荷尔蒙在意思上是完全一样的，都指由内分泌腺分泌的化学物质。‘荷尔蒙’是‘hormone’的音译词，在日常生活中可能更常听到，两者可以互换使用。
在一些畜牧业或水产养殖中，可能会使用激素来促进动物生长。人们担心这些外源性激素残留在食品中，可能对人体健康造成不良影响，因此在食品安全检测中会关注激素残留问题。
多种因素会影响激素水平，包括年龄、饮食、睡眠、运动、压力、疾病以及某些药物。例如，长期压力过大会导致皮质醇水平升高。
Test Yourself
这种药物可以帮助调节体内的______分泌。
句意是关于调节体内分泌的物质，‘激素’是最符合语境的词。
以下哪项是激素的主要功能？
激素的核心功能是作为信使，调节身体的各项生理活动。
（身体、激素、调节、重要、作用）
该选项语法正确，语意清晰，表达了激素在身体中的重要作用。
Score: /3
Summary
Hormones are vital chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate numerous bodily functions.
- Body's chemical messengers regulating functions.
- Produced by glands, travel through blood.
- Crucial for growth, metabolism, and mood.
Understand Hormone's Role
Hormones are like messengers in your body, controlling everything from sleep to growth. Understanding them helps grasp many biological processes.
Beware of Misinformation
Be cautious about sensational claims regarding hormones, especially in non-scientific contexts. Consult reliable sources for health information.
Hormones in Popular Culture
Hormones are frequently discussed in media regarding puberty, aging, and mood swings, often simplifying complex biological processes.
Examples
4 of 4胰岛素是一种重要的激素，用于控制血糖水平。
Insulin is an important hormone used to control blood sugar levels.
青春期时，体内会分泌大量的性激素，引起身体的变化。
During puberty, large amounts of sex hormones are secreted, causing physical changes.
很多人担心吃快餐会摄入过多的‘坏激素’。
Many people worry about consuming too many 'bad hormones' from fast food.
生长激素水平的异常可能导致身材矮小或巨人症。
Abnormal levels of growth hormone can lead to dwarfism or gigantism.
