A peptide is a chemical compound composed of 2 or more amino acids that are linked via a peptide bond. The peptide bond is between a nitrogen atom of one amino acid and the carboxyl atom of the corresponding amino acid. Peptides can also be obtained from partial breakdown of proteins. Classification of peptides is dependent on the number of amino acids that constitute it. An oligopeptide has less than 10 amino acids. A peptide has 10-50 amino acids. A polypeptide has more than 50 amino acids. Proteins result from linking of various peptides in a particular manner. Peptide hormones are proteins that serve an endocrine function in the body. They are synthesized in the ribosomes of the cells of origin. In the body, peptide hormones are often released as prehormones which are then cleaved into active forms at the target organ. Examples of peptide hormones in the body include insulin, glucagon, growth hormone, and prolactin among others.