7 - Hormones and their Functions

Releasing and Inhibiting Hormones

\- hypothalamus

• Target: Anterior pituitary

• Action: Stimulates/inhibits the release of specific pituitary hormones

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone

\- anterior pituitary

• Target: Thyroid

• Action: Stimulates production and secretion of thyroxine/thyroid hormone

Prolactin

\- anterior pituitary

• Target: Mammary Gland

• Action: Stimulates milk production

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

\- anterior pituitary

• Target: Adrenal Cortex

• Action: Stimulates secretion of corticosteroids/stimulates adrenal glands to produce related steroid hormones

Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone

\- anterior pituitary

• Action: Regulates melatonin production

Endorphin

\- anterior pituitary

• Target: Brain

• Action: Decreases pain

Growth Hormone

\- anterior pituitary

• Target: Various cells

• Action: Stimulates general body growth

Luteinizing Hormone

\- anterior pituitary

• Target: Ovary

• Action: Stimulates ovulation, and production

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

\- anterior pituitary

• Target: Ovary, Testes

• Action: Simulates ovarian follicle growth/sperm production

Oxytocin

\- posterior pituitary

• Target: Mammary gland, Uterus

• Action: Stimulates milk production/uterine contraction

Antidiuretic Hormone

\- posterior pituitary

• Target: Kidney

• Action: Increases water absorption/controls water loss in the kidneys

Thyroxine

\- thyroid

• Target: Most cells

• Action: Increases metabolic rate and growth

Calcitonin

\- thyroid

• Target: Bones

• Action: Stimulates calcium uptake

Parathyroid Hormone

\- parathyroid

• Target: Bones, Digestive tract

• Action: Stimulates calcium release into blood/calcium absorption

Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

\- adrenal glands

• Target: Circulatory and Respiratory System

• Action: Increases heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar/breathing rate and clears airways

Insulin

\- pancreas

• Target: Various Cells

• Action: Stimulate glucose uptake from blood

Glucagon

\- pancreas

• Target: Various Cells

• Action: Stimulate glucose release from cells into blood

Estrogen

\- ovary

• Target: Various cells

• Action: Stimulates female development and behavior

Progesterone

\- ovary

• Target: Uterus

• Action: Stimulates growth of uterine lining

Testosterone

\- testes

• Target: Various cells

• Action: Stimulates male development and behavior