Steroid, any of a class of natural or synthetic organic compounds characterized by a molecular structure of 17 carbon atoms

arranged in four rings. Steroids are important in biology, chemistry, and medicine. The steroid group includes all the sex
hormones, adrenalcortical hormones, bile acids, and sterols of vertebrates, as well as the moltinghormones of insects and many
other physiologically active substances of animalsand plants. Among the synthetic steroids of therapeutic value are a large number
of anti-inflammatory agents, anabolic (growth-stimulating) agents, and oral contraceptives.
Different categories of steroids are frequently distinguished from each other by names that relate to their biological sourcee.g.,
phytosterols (found in plants), adrenal steroids, and bile acidsor to some important physiological function
e.g.,progesterones (promoting gestation), androgens (favouring development of masculine characteristics), and cardiotonic steroids
(facilitating proper heartfunction).
Steroids vary from one another in the nature of attached groups, the position of the groups, and the configuration of the steroid
nucleus (or gonane). Small modifications in the molecular structures of steroids can produce remarkable differences in their
biological activities.
This article covers the history, chemistry, biological significance, and basic pharmacology of steroids. For more information about
the physiological relevance and the pharmacological applications of steroids, see human endocrine system,endocrine system,
and drug.

Steroid numbering system and nomenclature

All steroids are related to a characteristic molecular structure composed of 17carbon atomsarranged in four rings conventionally
denoted by the letters A, B, C, and Dbonded to 28 hydrogen atoms.

Names of fundamental structures most often used in steroid nomenclature

carbon atoms
present (as

naturally
occurring

examples shown in text

numbered in
structure 6)

general
classes

gonane

117

none

gonane* (1)

estrane

118

estrogens

estradiol (17f)

androsta

119

androgens

androstane* (25);

ne

testosterone (17e);
androstanedione (17c)

pregnan

121

cholane

124

gestogens

progesterone (17a); cortisol

and adrenal

(17b); aldosterone (17d);

steroids

batrachotoxin (14)

bile acids

cholic acid (10a); sodium

sodium glycocholate (10b)

cholesta

127

sterols

ne
ergostan
e

cholesterol (16d); scymnol

(11a)

128

sterols

ergosterol (8); cyasterone

(22)

stigmast

129

sterols

ane

stigmasterol (7); antheridiol

(12)

lanostan

127; 3032

trimethyl

lanosterol (16c);

sterols

22,25-oxidoholothurinogenin
(13)

cardanol

123

cardiac

ide

digitoxigenin (23)

glycosides

bufanoli

124

toad poisons

bufotoxin (24)

127

sapogenins

dioscin (25)

de
spirosta
n
*Gonane and androstane themselves do not occur in nature.

Class

Example

Number of carbon atoms

Cholestanes

Cholesterol

27

Cholanes

Cholic acid

24

Pregnanes

Progesterone

21

Androstanes

Testosterone

19

Estranes

Estradiol

18

The gonane (steroid nucleus) is the parent 17-carbon tetracyclic hydrocarbon molecule with
no alkyl sidechains.

A gonane (steroid nucleus)

Steroids are a type of lipid that contains four rings of carbon atoms. Steroids can act as hormones in the body. In this lesson, you will learn about the
different structures and functions of steroids, including the important role of a steroid called cholesterol.

Steroids
What do you think of when you think of steroids? You may think of a muscle-bound body builder who takes anabolic steroids to beef-up. Or, your mind
might conjure up an image of the professional athlete who got in trouble for using synthetic steroids to unfairly enhance his athletic performance.

Steroids have three 6-sided carbon rings and one 5-sided carbon ring

Believe it or not, regardless of whether you are male or female, your body produces natural steroids every day. In fact, they are necessary to sustain
life. In this lesson, you will learn about the structure and function of 'natural' steroids found naturally within your body.

Structure
Steroids can be defined by their chemical structure. We see that steroids are organic compounds that contain four rings of carbon atoms. Specifically,
we see that all steroids have three 6-sided carbon rings and one 5-sided carbon ring.

However, different steroids have different functional groups attached. We recall that functional groups are groups of atoms that we often find together
that have a specific behavior. When we attach different functional groups to the basic steroid rings, we get steroids with different functions. We will talk
about the different functions of steroids later in this lesson.
But first, we mentioned that steroids are organic compounds, and we know that organic compounds must contain carbon. Therefore, organic
compounds are things like carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. In fact, steroids are classified under the lipid group. This is somewhat interesting
because we see that the basic structure of a steroid differs quite a bit from that of other lipids such as triglycerides or phospholipids. However, steroids
still fit this category because, like other fats, steroids are made largely of carbon and hydrogen atoms and they are insoluble in water.

Examples of steroid structures are:

Testosterone, the principal

male sex hormone and

Cholic acid, a bile acid, showing the carboxylic

ananabolic steroid

acid and additional hydroxyl groups often

present

Progesterone, a steroid hormone involved in the

female menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and
embryogenesis

Dexamethasone, a

Lanosterol, the biosynthetic precursor to animal

syntheticcorticosteroid drug

steroids. The number of carbons (30) indicates

itstriterpenoid classification.

Medrogestone, a synthetic drug with effects

similar to progesterone

-Sitosterol, a plant or phytosterol, with a fully branched

hydrocarbon side chain at C-17 and an hydroxyl group at C-3

steroid | chemical compound | Britannica.com. 2016. steroid | chemical compound | Britannica.com. [ONLINE] Available at:
http://www.britannica.com/science/steroid#toc278048. [Accessed 20 February 2016].
Steroids: Structure & Function - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com. 2016. Steroids: Structure & Function - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com.
[ONLINE] Available at: http://study.com/academy/lesson/steroids-structure-function.html. [Accessed 20 February 2016].