Endocrine System Hormones

These flashcards cover the key hormones of the endocrine system, their originating glands, stimuli for release, target cells, and physiological actions.

Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that influences the body clock in response to darkness.

Oxytocin

A hormone released by the hypothalamus/PVN that causes uterine contractions during birth and milk release during suckling.

Vasopressin/Antidiuretic Hormone

A hormone from the hypothalamus/SON that promotes water reabsorption by the kidneys in response to increased blood osmolarity.

Dopamine (Prolactin Inhibiting Hormone)

A hormone from the hypothalamus that inhibits the release of prolactin from the anterior pituitary.

Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH)

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to release Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

A hormone from the anterior pituitary that stimulates the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones.

Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH)

A hormone released by the hypothalamus in response to stress and circadian rhythms, stimulating the release of ACTH from the anterior pituitary.

Adrenocorticotropin Hormone (ACTH)

A hormone from the anterior pituitary that stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol.

Cortisol

A hormone released by the adrenal cortex that suppresses the immune system and stimulates gluconeogenesis.

Growth Hormone Inhibiting Hormone (GHIH)

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that inhibits the release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary.

Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH)

A hormone from the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to release growth hormone.

Insulin-like Growth Factors

Proteins released by the liver in response to growth hormone, promoting new bone growth and muscle mass.

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

A hormone from the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to release FSH and LH.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone from the anterior pituitary that stimulates sperm production in males and follicle growth in females.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone from the anterior pituitary that triggers testosterone release in males and ovulation in females.

Epinephrine/Norepinephrine

Hormones released by the adrenal medulla that increase heart rate and glucose levels in response to stress.

Aldosterone

A hormone from the adrenal cortex that promotes sodium retention in the kidneys.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone that raises calcium levels in the blood by promoting calcium reabsorption in the kidneys and dissolution of bone.

Calcitonin

A hormone released by the thyroid that lowers blood calcium levels by promoting excretion and inhibiting dissolution of bone.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that increases glucose uptake by body cells.

Glucagon

A hormone produced by the pancreas that converts glycogen to glucose in the liver.