The Major Endocrine Organs

Hormones

the chemical messengers released by the endocrine glands

Hormones work by _____________________________

binding to receptor on target cells

Steroids

a class of hormones that binds to sites inside the cell

Humoral control

control of body fluids

The hypothalamus 

the commander of the other glands

The Pituitary Gland

the master gland that acts only under the hypothalamus

The Posterior Pituitary

secretes ADH and Oxytocin

ADH (Antidiuretic hormone)

decreases urination

Oxytocin

increases uterine contraction

The pituitary is split into the ______ and _______ pituitary

posterior and anterior

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

triggers the release of hormones from the thyroid gland; regulates metabolism

Adrenocorticotropic (ACTH)

increases steroid release from the adrenal gland

Follicle Stimulating Hormones (FSH)

stimulates estrogen secretion and sperm production

Leutinizing Hormone (LH)

stimulates ovaries and testes for ovulation and testosterone production

Prolactin (PRL)

increases milk production

Growth Hormone (GH)

stimulates cell/tissue growth

Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)

stimulates melanocytes to produce melanin

Thyroid gland

located in the neck and controls cell metabolism and growth

Parathyroid gland

produces parathyroid hormone (PTH) which regulates the calcium levels in the blood stream

Thymus gland

located in upper thorax and produces thymosin which helps white blood cells mature during childhood

Pineal gland

produces melatonin which controls sleep

The Pancreas

releases insulin and glycogen to control blood sugar

Adrenal glands

pair of glands that sits on the kidneys

Adrenal cortex

the outer layer

Adrenal medulla

releases epinephrine and norepinephrine and increases the duration of effects from the sympathetic nervous system

The Gonads

produces sex hormones