Endocrine Glands and Their Hormones

A set of 20 vocabulary flashcards covering endocrine glands, their key hormones, and primary physiological functions.

GH (growth hormone)

Hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary (also called somatotropin) that promotes growth of all body tissues.

TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)

Anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)

Anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortical hormones and aids in protecting the body in stress situations (injury, pain).

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)

Anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates growth and hormonal activity of ovarian follicles, stimulates growth of testes, and promotes sperm cell development.

LH (luteinizing hormone)

Anterior pituitary hormone that causes development of corpus luteum at the site of ruptured ovarian follicle in females and stimulates testosterone secretion in males.

PRL (prolactin)

Anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates milk secretion by mammary glands.

ADH (antidiuretic hormone; vasopressin)

Posterior pituitary hormone that promotes water reabsorption in kidney tubules and causes blood vessels to constrict.

Oxytocin

Posterior pituitary hormone that causes uterine contraction and causes milk ejection from mammary glands.

Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)

Thyroid hormones that increase metabolic rate and heat production, influencing both physical and mental activities, and are required for normal growth.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Hormone produced by the parathyroid that regulates calcium exchange between blood and bones and increases blood calcium level.

Cortisol (hydrocortisone)

Adrenal cortex hormone that aids in metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and is active during stress.

Aldosterone

Adrenal cortex hormone that aids in regulating electrolytes and water balance.

Adrenal cortex sex hormones

Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that may influence secondary sexual characteristics.

Epinephrine (adrenaline)

Adrenal medulla hormone released in response to stress that increases respiration, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Insulin

Pancreatic islet hormone that aids glucose transport into cells, is required for cellular metabolism of nutrients (especially glucose), and decreases blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

Pancreatic islet hormone that stimulates the liver to release glucose, thereby increasing blood glucose levels.

Melatonin

Pineal gland hormone that regulates mood, sexual development, and daily cycles in response to environmental light.

Testosterone

Testis hormone that stimulates growth and development of sexual organs plus development of secondary sexual characteristics and stimulates maturation of sperm cells.

Estrogen

Ovarian hormone that stimulates growth of primary sexual organs and development of secondary sexual characteristics.

Progesterone

Ovarian hormone that prepares uterine lining for implantation of fertilized ovum, aids in maintaining pregnancy, and stimulates development of mammary glands' secretory tissue.