Endocrine - Glands and Hormones

pineal gland

pineal gland

secretes melatonin, found in the brain

Melatonin

sleep-inducing hormone, may also contribute to fertility

pituitary gland

The endocrine system's most influential gland. Under the influence of the hypothalamus, the pituitary regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands.

ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)

Stimulates adrenal cortex to release glucocorticoids (cortisol)

ADH (antidiuretic hormone)

Produced by Posterior lobe of Pituitary Gland. Targets kidneys for water conservation. Inhibits urine production. Altered by alcohol.

Oxytocin

A hormone released by the posterior pituitary that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and sexual relations, and milk ejection during breastfeeding

FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)

stimulates secretion of ovarian sex hormones, development of ovarian follicles, and sperm production

Prolactin (PRL)

secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland; promotes milk secretion

Growth Hormone (GH)

influences growth of skeletal muscles and long bones. Can be used as a "steroid"

TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)

Stimulates thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones

LH (luteinizing hormone)

Produced by Anterior lobe of Pituitary Gland. Targets ovaries and testes to stimulate estrogen secretion and egg maturation (triggers ovulation); stimulates sperm production due to testosterone.

Thyroid

regulates metabolism

Thyroxine

Controls rate of metabolism/oxidation of glucose and all chemical reactions.

Thymus

Gland in the thoracic cavity above the heart where T lymphocytes mature.

Thymosin

stimulates the maturation of lymphocytes into T cells of the immune system

adrenal cortex

outer section of each adrenal gland; secretes cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones

adrenal medulla

middle portion of adrenal glands, secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine

adrenal glands

a pair of endocrine glands that sit just above the kidneys and secrete hormones that help arouse the body in times of stress.

Aldosterone

"salt-retaining hormone" which promotes the retention of Na+ by the kidneys. na+ retention promotes water retention, which promotes a higher blood volume and pressure

Cortisol

stress hormone released by the adrenal cortex, alters immune response, digestive system, and reproductive system

Epinephrine

adrenaline, fight or flight response, can be used to treat anaphylaxis

Pancreas

An organs in the abdominal cavity with two roles. Produce digestive enzymes and to secrete insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream to help regulate blood glucose levels.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas or taken as a medication by many diabetics to increase glucose uptake, counters high blood sugar

Glucagon

A protein hormone secreted by pancreatic endocrine cells that raises blood glucose levels; an antagonistic hormone to insulin.

Ovaries

female gonads that produce ova and sex hormones

Estrogen

A sex hormone, secreted in greater amounts by females than by males.Help develop 2nd sex characteristics, mature the reproductive organs.

Progesterone

A hormone produced by the ovaries which acts with estrogen to bring about the menstrual cycle and assists in implanting the embryo.

Testes

Male Gonads, produce sperm and testosterone.

Testosterone

the most important of the male sex hormones. Both males and females have it, but the additional testosterone in males stimulates the growth of the male sex organs in the fetus and the development of the male sex characteristics during puberty, sperm production

Parathyroid

Rides piggyback on the thyroid gland

PTH (parathyroid hormone)

A peptide hormone that increases blood calcium concentrations by removing Ca from the bones, imbalances can lead to kidney stones

Placenta

A structure that allows an embryo to be nourished with the mother's blood supply, is responsible for multiple pregnancy hormones.

hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

This stimulates the corpus luteum to produce estrogen & progesterone...the pregnancy hormone. Detected in pregnancy tests

hPL (human placental lactogen)

Preps breasts for lactation. antagonist of insulin, makes sure that the baby gets enough glucose, minerals and protein.

Relaxin

The hormone that increases the flexibility of the pubic symphysis and ligaments during pregnancy