endocrine glands

thyroid gland

• thyroid hormone (T3 and T 4): stimulates and maintains metabolic processes

• calcitonin: lowers blood calcium level

parathyroid gland

• parathyroid hormone (PTH): raises blood calcium level

adrenal medulla

• epinephrine and norepinephrine: raise blood glucose level, increase metabolic activity, constrict or dilate blood vessels

adrenal cortex

• glucocorticoids: raise blood glucose level

• mineralocorticoids: promote reabsorption of Na+ and excretion of K+ in the kidneys

ovaries

• estrogens: stimulate uterine lining growth, promote development and maintenance of female secondary characteristics

• progesterone: promotes uterine lining growth

testes

• androgens: support sperm formation, promote development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics

pineal gland

• melatonin: participates in regulation of biological rhythms

hypothalamus

hormones released from posterior pituitary gland

posterior pituitary

• oxytocin: stimulates the contraction of uterus and mammary gland cells

• vasopressin or ADH (antidiuretic hormone): promotes retention of water by kidneys, influences social behavior and bonding

anterior pituitary

• follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH): stimulate gonads (ovaries or testes)

• thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): stimulates thyroid gland

• adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): stimulates adrenal cortex

• prolactin: stimulates mammary gland growth and milk synthesis in mammals

• growth hormone (GH): stimulates growth and metabolic functions

• melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH): affects color of melanocytes, a type of skin cell

pancreas

• insulin: lowers blood glucose level

• glucagon: raises blood glucose level