Endocrine System

Endocrine gland

gland that secretes hormones carried by the blood.

Exocrine gland

gland that secretes hormones into ducts.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Also called corticotropin, stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete corticosteroid hormones such as cortisol.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Chemical produced in the brain that causes the kidneys to release less water, decreasing the amount of urine produced. A high _______ level causes the body to produce less urine.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Glycoprotein hormone that stimulates the production and maturation of sex cells, or gametes, including ova in women and sperm in men.

Gonadotropins

Hormones that regulate the function of the gonads.

Gonads

The testes in males and the ovaries in females).

Growth hormone (GH)

Also called somatotropin regulates the growth of the human body, protein synthesis, and cellular replication.

Hypothalamus

Is a structure of brain located anterior and inferior to the thalamus with both neural and endocrine functions, producing and secreting many hormones.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Triggers ovulation in women, as well as the production of estrogens and progesterone by the ovaries. _____ stimulates production of testosterone by the male testes.

Oxytocin

A hormone released by the pituitary gland that causes increased contraction of the uterus during labor and stimulates the ejection of milk into the ducts of the breasts.

Pituitary gland

(Hypophysis) Is a pea-sized endocrine gland at the base of your brain, behind the bridge of your nose and directly below your hypothalamus, it is one of eight interrelated major endocrine glands.

Prolactin (PRL)

Promotes lactation (milk production) in women.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Regulates the activity of the thyroid gland.

Calcitonin

Hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that helps to regulate blood calcium.

Glucagon

Hormone secreted by the pancreas that helps to regulate blood glucose.

Insulin

Hormone secreted by the pancreas that helps to regulate blood glucose.

Melatonin

Hormone that helps to regulate sleep-wake cycles.

Parathyroid glands

Four small glands of the endocrine system which regulate the calcium in our bodies. _______________ are located in the neck behind the thyroid where they continuously monitor and regulate blood calcium levels.

Parathyroid Hormone

Hormone secreted by parathyroid glands that helps to regulate blood calcium.

Pineal gland

Is located in the center of the brain. The main function is to receive information about the state of the light-dark cycle from the environment and convey this information to produce and secrete the hormone melatonin.

Pineal Gland

Small gland located inside of the brain that secretes melatonin.

Thymus gland

A lymphoid organ situated in the neck of vertebrates that produces T cells for the immune system.