hormones of the human body

follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

originates in the anterior pituitary gland; in females, FSH acts on ovarian follicles, stimulating follicular growth and estrogen production; in males, it targets the seminiferous tubules of the testes, promoting spermatogenesis.

aldosterone

produced by zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex; acts on distal tubules and collecting ducts of kidneys, enhancing sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion —> increased blood volume, blood pressure, and electrolyte balance maintenance

corticosteroid

originates in adrenal glands; controls key functions in the body - acts as an anti-inflammatory; maintains blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and muscle strength; regulates salt and water balance

antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin)

synthesized in the hypothalamus & stored in the posterior pituitary; acts on kidneys to regulate water reabsorption; increases the permeability of the renal collecting ducts to water, allowing for its reabsorption back into the bloodstream — can cause vasoconstriction at higher concentrations, which increases blood pressure

adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

originates in the anterior pituitary; targets the adrenal cortex (zona fasciculata) & stimulates the synthesis and secretion of glucocorticoids (i.e.: cortisol)

luteinizing hormone (LH)

originates in the anterior pituitary; acts on ovaries, inducing ovulation and corpus luteum formation (females)/stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone (males)

prolactin

originates in anterior pituitary; primarily acts on mammary glands & stimulates milk production (lactation) in females

oxytocin

synthesized in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland; primarily acts on smooth muscles of the uterus and mammary glands; during childbirth, it stimulates uterine contractions, facilitating labor and delivery — promotes milk ejection (letdown) by causing contraction of myoepithelial cells surrounding mammary alveoli, aiding in breastfeeding

parathyroid hormone

produced by parathyroid glands (small glands located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland); works mainly on bones, kidneys, and intestines. Stimulates osteoclast activity —> bone resorption/release of calcium into the bloodstream (BONES). enhances calcium reabsorption while promoting phosphate excretion (KIDNEYS). stimulates the production of active vitamin D (calcitriol) in kidneys, enhancing intestinal calcium absorption

calcitonin

synthesized/secreted by C cells (parafollicular cells) of the thyroid gland; acts on bones, inhibiting osteoclast activity/promoting calcium deposition into bone matrix —> lowering calcium levels

cortisol

synthesized by zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex; exerts widespread metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and stress response effects. promotes gluconeogenesis, inhibits glucose uptake by peripheral tissues, suppresses the immune system, and moderates cardiovascular function

epinephrine

produced by adrenal medulla; rapid and profound effects ti prepare the body for fight/flight responses. increases heart rate, contractility, cardiac output, dilates airways, mobilizes glucose and fatty acids for energy, and redirects blood flow to vital organs

testosterone

produced by Leydig cells in the testes; promotes the development and maintenance of male reproductive organs (testes/prostate) and secondary sexual characteristics (facial/pubic hair, deep voice); influences libido, bone density, muscle mass, & mood

estrogen

produced by ovaries; promotes development/maintenance of female reproductive organs (ovaries/uterus) and secondary characteristics (breast development/hips widening); also influences bone density, cardiovascular health, and mood

progesterone

produced by corpus luteum in ovaries during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle; primarily acts on uterus, preparing it for implantation and supporting early pregnancy; influences menstrual cycle by development of endometrium and inhibiting uterine contractions

chorionic gonadotropin

produced by trophoblast cells of developing placenta; and corpus luteum in the ovaries and maintaining the function and promoting estrogen and progesterone during early pregnancy; fetal development and maternal adaptations to pregnancy

insulin

synthesized and secreted by beta cells in the pancreatic islet of Langerhans; acts of target tissues (liver, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle); promotes glucose uptake by cells, stimulating glycogen synthesis in the liver and muscles, inhibiting gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis and facilitating lipid synthesis and storage

glucagon

secreted by alpha cells in the pancreatic islet of Langerhans; acts on the liver to stimulate glycogenolysis (breakdown of glycogen into glucose) and gluconeogenesis (synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources); also promotes lipolysis in adipose tissue, releasing fatty acids as additional energy sources

erythropoietin

synthesized/secreted by peritubular fibroblasts in kidneys; acts on hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow, stimulating their proliferation, differentiation, and maturation into red blood cells; also enhances the release of reticulocytes (immature red blood cells) into the blood stream

renin

synthesized/secreted by juxtaglomerular cells of renal nephrons; acts on angiotensinogen (precursor protein produced by the liver to convert it into angiotensin I) —> converted into angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) primarily in lungs. Angio II then acts on blood vessels to induce vasoconstriction and stimulate aldosterone release from the adrenal glands, leading to increased blood pressure and sodium retention

gastrin

produced by G cells (gastric cells); acts on parietal cells in the stomach, stimulating gastric acid secretion (HCl) and promoting gastric motility; induces the release of histamine from enterochromaffin-like cells

secretin

produced by s cells in the duodenal mucosa of small intestine; primarily acts on pancreas and liver; stimulates pancreatic ductal cells to secrete bicarbonate-rich pancreatic juices- neutralizing acidic chyme entering duodenum.