hormones & their functions

releasing & release-inhibiting hormones

regulate secretion of anterior pituitary hormones

growth hormone (GH)

essential for growth; stimulates bone & soft-tissue growth; regulates protein, lipid, & carbohydrate metabolism

adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

stimulates glucocorticoid secretion by adrenal cortex

thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

stimulates secretion of thyroid hormones by thyroid gland

prolactin

stimulates development of breasts and milk secretion by the mammary glands

follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

females: stimulates growth & development of ovarian follicles, estrogen secretion
males: stimulates sperm production by testis

luteinizing hormone (LH)

females: stimulates ovulation, transformation of ovarian follicle into corpus luteum, & secretion of estrogen & progesterone
males: stimulates testosterone secretion by testis

antidiuretic hormone (ADH, or vasopressin)

decreases urine output by the kidneys; promotes constriction of blood vessels (arterioles)

oxytocin

females: stimulates uterine contractions & milk ejection by the mammary glands
males: function unknown

melatonin

regulates biological rhythms according to day-night cycles

thymosin

stimulates proliferation & function of T lymphocytes

thyroid hormones (T3 & T4)

increase basal metabolic rate; necessary for normal development

calcitonin

promotes calcium deposition in bone; lowers blood calcium levels

parathyroid hormone (PTH)

promotes calcium release from bone, calcium absorption by the intestine, & calcium reabsorption by the kidney tubules; raises blood calcium levels; stimulates vitamin D3 synthesis

mineralcorticoids (aldosterone)

stimulate sodium reabsorption & potassium secretion by the kidney tubules

glucocorticoids (cortisol, corticosterone)

promote catabolism of proteins & fats; raise blood glucose levels; adapt the body to stress

androgens (sex hormones)

promote sex drive

epinephrine

stimulates fight or flight response

insulin

lowers blood glucose levels; stores energy by promoting protein, triglyceride, & glycogen synthesis

glucagon

raises blood glucose levels; mobilizes energy by promoting glycogenolysis, glucogenesis

somatostatin

inhibits secretion of pancreatic hormones; regulates digestion & absorption of nutrients by gastrointestinal system

androgens (testosterone, androstenedione)

necessary for sperm production by testis; promote sex drive & development of secondary sex characteristics (ex. facial hair, deep voice, etc.)

estrogens (estradiol)

necessary for follicular development; promote development of secondary sex characteristics (ex. breasts, body fat distribution, etc.)

progestins (progesterone)

promote endometrial growth to prepare the uterus for pregnancy

chorionic gonadotropic, estrogens, progesterone

maintain the corpus luteum; reinforce the actions of hormones secreted by the corpus luteum