Comprehensive Endocrine System: Hormones, Functions, and Targets

Vocabulary flashcards identifying major hormones, their sites of production, target tissues, and key physiological functions based on the provided review document.

ADH (antidiuretic hormone)

Hormone made in the pituitary gland that acts on the kidneys and blood vessels to tell the kidneys how much water to conserve and to control blood pressure.

Oxytocin

Hormone made in the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland; targets the brain, spinal cord, and (in females) uterus and mammary glands to trigger labor contractions, move milk through breast ducts, and release during intimacy and bonding.

hGH

Hormone made in the pituitary gland that targets the bones to promote tissue growth.

LH (luteinizing hormone)

Hormone made in the pituitary gland that targets reproductive organs, uterus, and brain; triggers ovulation and testosterone production.

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)

Hormone made in the pituitary gland that targets reproductive organs to promote estrogen and sperm production.

Cortisol

Hormone made in the adrenal cortex that travels everywhere in the body to raise blood sugar and suppress the immune system.

Melatonin

Hormone made in the pineal gland that enters the bloodstream, liver, and hypothalamus (and can stay in the brain); regulates sleep, lowers body temperature, and acts as an antioxidant.

Epinephrine

Hormone made in the adrenal cortex that travels everywhere; involved in fight-or-flight, speeds up heartbeat, increases bloodflow, and opens airways.

Calcitonin

Hormone made in the thyroid that targets bones to protect bone and inhibit bone breakdown.

Aldosterone

Hormone made in the adrenal gland that targets the kidneys to control water/salt balance and absorb sodium.

Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4)

Hormones made in the thyroid gland that go everywhere in the body to regulate metabolism and generate body heat.

Glucagon

Hormone made in the pancreas that enters the bloodstream to break down stored sugar.

Insulin

Hormone made in the pancreas that enters the bloodstream to move sugar from blood into body cells for energy.

Estrogen

Hormone made in ovaries and adrenal glands; goes everywhere in females, and into testes/brain for males; controls female puberty and menstrual cycle.

Progesterone

Hormone made in ovaries, adrenal cortex, and testes; targets uterus/testes to prepare the uterus, sustain pregnancies, and prepare breasts for lactation.

Testosterone

Hormone made in testes, ovaries, and adrenal cortex; goes everywhere (especially bones); involved in male puberty, sperm production, libido, converts to DHT & estrogen, and builds muscle & bone.

Prolactin

Hormone made in the pituitary gland that targets breasts and testes; stimulates milk production and mammary gland development, and suppresses ovulation & fertility.

PTH (parathyroid hormone)

Hormone made in the parathyroid gland that targets bones to break down bone for calcium reabsorption.

Thymosin

Hormone made in the thymus that targets immune cells for T-cell maturation and training the immune system.

ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)

Hormone made in the pituitary gland that targets the adrenal gland to help make cortisol.

Inhibin

Hormone made in ovaries and testes that targets the pituitary gland to stop the body from producing sex hormones.

Atriopeptin

Hormone made in the adrenal gland that targets the kidneys for electrolyte balance by instructing kidneys to reabsorb or release ions.

Erythropoietin

Hormone made in the kidneys that targets bones to make red blood cells.