hormones of ant. pit. (italics) and post. pit (bold)

prolactin

breast - stimulates breast milk production after childbirth

growth hormone

skeletal system - stimulates growth in childhood; maintaining healthy muscles and bone in adults

adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)

adrenal cortex on kidneys - stimulates production of cortisol, (stress hormone needed for fighting stress); controls BP and sugar levels under stressful conditions such as surgery, illness, or injuries

thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

thyroid gland - regulates metabolism, energy balance, growth, and nervous system activity

luteinizing hormone (LH)

testis/ovaries - stimulates testosterone production in men; stimulates ovulation in women

follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

testis/ovaries - promotes sperm production in men; stimulates ovaries to produce estrogen and develop eggs in women

melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)

skin - stimulates production of melanin pigment which helps to protect the skin from UV rays

antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin

kidneys - regulates water balance in body and sodium levels in blood

oxytocin

breast/uterus - stimulates milk flow during breastfeeding; promotes labor during child-birth; promotes bonding between mother and child