激素
How to Understand
激素 (jī sù) refers to hormones, which are chemical substances produced by glands in the body and transported through the bloodstream to regulate various physiological processes. Unlike other signaling molecules, hormones act as messengers that influence specific target organs or tissues.
The character 激 (jī) originally meant 'to stir up' or 'to excite,' suggesting a dynamic or active force. 素 (sù) means 'element' or 'substance,' indicating the basic building block of something. Together, they form a term that literally suggests an 'active substance' or 'chemical messenger.'
In modern usage, 激素 is widely used in medical and scientific contexts. It is also sometimes used metaphorically to describe emotional or psychological states, such as 'hormonal changes' during adolescence or pregnancy. Understanding this term is essential for anyone studying biology, medicine, or health sciences in Chinese.