Endocrine Gland - Hormones

Growth Hormone (GH)

Anterior Pituitary Gland

Stimulates liver to produce IGF-1 (insulin-like grow factor-1); IGF-1 promotes bone and muscle growth

Prolactin (PRL)

Anterior Pituitary Gland

Stimulates development of mammary glands; milk production

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Anterior Pituitary Gland

Stimulates growth and maturation of ovarian follicles (females); stimulates spermatogenesis (males)

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Anterior Pituitary Gland

Induces ovulation and stimulates estrogen production (females); stimulates testosterone production (males)

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Anterior Pituitary Gland

Stimulates growth, development, and secretion of glucocorticoids from adrenal cortex

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Anterior Pituitary Gland

Stimulates thyroid hormone secretion from the thyroid gland

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Posterior Pituitary Gland

Increases water retention by the kidneys (maintains blood volume and pressure)

Oxytocin

Posterior Pituitary Gland

Stimulates uterine contractions; stimulates milk ejection from mammary glands

Melatonin

Pineal Gland

Regulates the body’s circadian rhythms (biological clock); functions in sexual maturation

Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4)

Thyroid Gland

Increase metabolic rate of all cells; increase heat production (calorigenic effect)

Calcitonin

Thyroid Gland

Decreases blood calcium levels; most significant in children

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Parathyroid Glands

Increases the action of osteoclasts; increases dietary absorption of calcium; stimulates absorption of calcium in kidneys

Mineralocorticoids (Aldosterone)

Adrenal Cortex; Zona Glomerulosa

Increases sodium and water retention by the kidneys (thus increasing blood volume and blood pressure)

Glucocorticoids (Cortisol)

Adrenal Cortex; Zona Fasciculata

Increases glucose synthesis through gluconeogenesis (production of new glucose from amino acids) and lipolysis

Gonadocorticoids (Androgrens)

Adrenal Cortex; Zona Reticularis

Similar structure and function to the male sex steroid hormone testosterone; secreted in very low amounts compared to testosterone secretion by the testes (males)

Catecholamines (Epinephrine and Norepinephrine)

Adrenal Medulla

Increases heart rate and contraction of heart muscle (force); stimulates vasoconstriction

Insulin

Pancreas

Decreases blood glucose levels

Glucagon

Pancreas

Increases blood glucose levels

Testosterone

Testes

Stimulates maturation and function of male reproductive system

Estrogen and Progesterone

Stimulate maturation and function of female reproductive system