Endocrine System Hormones

Hypothalamus

Hypothalamic releasing and inhibiting hormones

Human growth hormone (hGH)

Stimulates cell division, bone and muscle growth, and metabolic functions.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Stimulates the thyroid gland.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete glucocorticoids.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Stimulates production of ova and sperm from the ovaries and testes.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Stimulates sex hormone production from the ovaries and testes.

Prolactin (PRL)

Stimulates milk production from the mammary glands.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Promotes the retention of water by the kidneys.

Oxytocin (OCT)

Stimulates uterine muscle contractions and release of milk by the mammary glands.

Thyroxine (T₄)

Affects all tissues; increases metabolic rate and regulates growth and development.

Calcitonin

Targets bones and kidneys to lower blood calcium by inhibiting release of calcium from kidneys and reabsorption of calcium by bones.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Raises blood calcium levels by stimulating bone cells to release calcium, the intestine to absorb calcium from food, and the kidneys to reabsorb calcium.

Glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol)

Stimulates tissues to raise blood glucose and break down protein.

Mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone)

Promotes reabsorption of sodium and water by the kidneys.

Gonadocorticoids

Promotes secondary sexual characteristics.

Epinephrine and norepinephrine

Fight-or-flight hormones.

Insulin

Lowers blood glucose levels and promotes the formation of glycogen in the liver.

Glucagon

Raises blood glucose levels by converting glycogen in the liver to glucose.

Estrogen

Stimulates uterine lining growth and promotes development of the female secondary sexual characteristics.

Progesterone

Promotes growth of the uterine lining and prevents uterine muscle contractions.

Testosterone

Promotes sperm formation and development of the male secondary sexual characteristics.

Anterior Pituitary Gland Hormones

Human growth hormone
Thyroid stimulating hormone
Adrenocorticotropic hormone
Prolactin
Follicle stimulating hormone
Luteinizing hormone

Posterior Pituitary Gland Hormones

Antidiuretic hormone
Oxytocin

Thyroid Gland Hormones

Thyroxine
Calcitonin

Parathyroid Gland Hormone

Parathyroid hormone

Adrenal Cortex Hormones

Glucocorticoids
Mineralocorticoids
Gonadocorticoids

Adrenal Medulla Hormones

Epinephrine
Norepinephrine

Pancreas Hormones

Insulin
Glucagon

Ovaries Hormones

Estrogen
Progesterone

Testes Hormone

Testosterone