Steroid

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Steroid

Steroid (/ˈstɛrɔɪd/ or /ˈstɪərɔɪd/) is a type of organic molecule that is characterized by a specific arrangement of cyclic carbon atoms. Steroids are a large and diverse group of chemicals that include many hormones, alkaloids, and vitamins.

Etymology

The term "steroid" comes from the Greek words "stere" which means solid, and "eidos" which means form. This refers to the solid, three-dimensional structure of the steroid molecule.

Types of Steroids

There are several types of steroids, including:

  • Anabolic Steroids: These are synthetic substances similar to the male hormone testosterone. They are used to promote the growth of skeletal muscle and the development of male sexual characteristics in both males and females.
  • Corticosteroids: These are a type of steroid hormone that are produced in the adrenal cortex of vertebrates. They are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including stress response, immune response, and regulation of inflammation.

Related Terms

  • Hormone: A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs.
  • Alkaloid: A class of naturally occurring organic compounds that mostly contain basic nitrogen atoms.
  • Vitamin: An organic molecule that is an essential micronutrient that an organism needs in small quantities for the proper functioning of its metabolism.

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