Hormones

The term hormone refers to the specific chemical messengers or "signaling molecules" secreted by glands in the endocrine system. Most familiar are the "endocrine hormones" which are released directly into the bloodstream to be carried to the cells which have protein receptors which can respond to them. There are also "exocrine hormones" which are released into a duct. These exocrine hormones may then enter the bloodstream or be conducted from cell to cell by diffusion (paracrine signaling). By these means, hormones are carried to essentially every part of the body and serve various regulatory functions.

While the hormonal communication system is too complex to be summarized by a simple model, there are some common overall features. Typically, the glands of the endocrine system have specialized hormone cells. The hormone molecules are synthesized in these cells and exit the cells (exocytosis) via some membrane transport mechanism. When they reach a cell which is sensitive to that hormone, it will have a receptor for the hormone. The receptor will typically be in the cell membrane. The cellular response may be a cascade of reactions to accomplish the purpose of the hormone. There are often feedback mechanisms that serve to regulate the production of the hormone in the gland of origin.

Description of Hormones

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

The release of the thyroid hormones is stimulated by the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. The thyroid gland's release of thyroxine influences most cells in the body, increasing their metabolic rate and stimulating the synthesis of enzymes that break down glucose and provide energy.

Thyroxine

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

ADH acts to increase the permeability of the tubules in the nephrons of the kidney to release more water back into the bloodstream. This is a good example of homeostasis by use of a hormone to switch on permeability to retain water in the blood, and then ceasing the ADH when water needs to be excreted by the kidneys.

References:
Wiki Hormones