Endocrine System: Hormones, Functions, and Sources

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Acts on the corpus luteum (produced by placenta).

Estrogen

Induces development and controls female reproductive organs (produced by ovaries).

Progesterone

Matures uterine endometrium for fertilized egg implantation (produced by ovaries).

Testosterone

Induces development of male sex organs (produced by testes).

Aldosterone

Regulates sodium and water elimination by kidney tubules (produced by adrenal gland).

Cortisol

Anti-inflammatory and anti-stress compound (produced by adrenal gland).

Androgens

Sex hormones (produced by adrenal gland).

Norepinephrine

Catecholamine increasing blood pressure and preparing for stress (produced by medulla).

Epinephrine

Catecholamine increasing blood pressure and preparing for stress (produced by medulla).

Glucagon

Enhances breakdown of glycogen within the liver (produced by pancreas).

Insulin

Enhances storage of glycogen by liver and muscle cells (produced by pancreas).

Thymopoietin and Thymosins

Stimulate differentiation, growth, and maturation of T-lymphocytes (produced by thymus).

Triiodothyronine (T3)

Controls rate of growth and energy metabolism (produced by thyroid).

Thyroxine (T4)

Controls rate of growth and energy metabolism (produced by thyroid).

Calcitonin

Prevents loss of calcium from bone (produced by thyroid).

Melatonin

Regulates circadian rhythms (produced by pineal gland).

Oxytocin

Causes uterine contraction by targeting smooth muscles (produced by posterior pituitary).

Antidiuretic hormone (Vasopressin)

Targets kidney tubules for water retention (produced by posterior pituitary).

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Stimulates maturation of sperm and follicle cells (produced by anterior pituitary).

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Stimulates secretion of sex hormones in males and females (produced by anterior pituitary).

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Regulates the adrenal cortex (produced by anterior pituitary).

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Regulates the thyroid gland (produced by anterior pituitary).

Prolactin

Stimulates production of milk in the breasts (produced by anterior pituitary).

Growth hormone (GH)

Regulates body growth and bone elongation (produced by anterior pituitary).

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)

Stimulates melanocytes to produce melanin (produced by anterior pituitary).