GLOSSARY

Phosphate-Regulating Hormones regulates phosphate absorption, excretion and exchange.

Intestine, kidney and bone jointly regulate calcium and phosphate, with related but distinct roles for PTH, active vitamin D and FGF23. Normal blood concentration does not always prove adequate intake or complete skeletal health because stores are also regulated. One postexercise hormone change cannot establish mineral deficiency. Dietary assessment, vitamin status and clinical context come before conclusions about supplement doses rather than treating every endocrine change as a nutrient shortage.

Hormones are chemical signals whose effects depend on target cells and appropriate receptors. Endocrine generally describes communication through blood, while local and neural signals also contribute. One substance can have several roles and sources. Calling something a metabolic or appetite hormone does not imply an exclusive effect; interpretation requires the signaling network, food and activity rather than assigning the body's response to one molecule alone.

Synthesis, storage, secretion, transport and clearance are distinct processes. Blood concentration reflects entry and removal rather than directly measuring secretion; exercise-related plasma-volume changes can also affect it. Half-life depends on hormone form and method and is not identical to the duration of all effects. Comparisons therefore need sampling time, previous food and recent activity standardized or recorded rather than interpreting isolated concentration differences without context.