Anatomy B-Major Hormones

TSH

Stimulates the thyroid, released by pituitary gland. It is a tropic hormone.

ACTH

Stimulates the adrenal gland to release corticosteroids. Released by the pituitary gland. It is a tropic hormone.

FSH

Stimulated gamete production (egg or sperm). Absent from prepubescent boys and girls. Released by pituitary gland and stimulates gonads. It is a tropic hormone.

LH

Released by pituitary gland to stimulate the gonads. Females: triggers ovulation, promotes synthesis and release of estrogen and progesterone. Males: stimulates testes to make testosterone. It is a tropic hormone.

Prolactin (PRL)

Released by pituitary gland. Stimulates milk production. Released when stimulated by sucking.

Oxytocin

Released by pituitary gland. Induces labor contractions. Involved in sexual arousal and satisfaction.

ADH

Released by pituitary gland. Helps to avoid dehydration or water overload. Prevents urine production by limiting the water being taken out of blood.

Thyroid Hormone

Released by thyroid. Needs iodine to function properly. Concerned with glucose oxidation, increasing metabolic rate, and heat production.

Calcitonin

Released by thyroid gland. Lowers calcium levels in the blood by inhibiting osteoclast activity and stimulating osteoblast activity.

Parathyroid Hormone

Released by parathyroid gland. Raises calcium levels in the blood by stimulating osteoclast activity and inhibiting osteoblast activity.

Aldosterone

Released by adrenal gland. Maintains Na⁺ balance and stimulates reabsorption of Na⁺ by kidneys. Most important mineralocorticoid.

Cortisol

Released by adrenal gland. Helps body resist stress by keeping blood sugar levels constant and maintaining blood volume.

Androgen

Released by adrenal gland. Most important in formation of testosterone. Contributes to the onset of puberty, sex drive in females, and secondary sex characteristics. Converted to estrogen after menopause.

Epinephrine/Norepinephrine

Secreted by adrenal gland. Responsible for fight/flight response. Causes blood glucose levels to rise, blood vessels to constrict, heart beat to get faster, and more specific blood flow to brain, heart, and skeletal muscle.

Estrogen

Released by gonads (ovaries). Responsible for maturation of reproductive organs, secondary sex characteristics, breast development, and regulating the cycle.

Testosterone

Released by gonads (testes). Responsible for maturation of male reproductive organs, secondary sex characteristics, sex drive, and sperm production.

Growth Hormone

Released by pituitary gland. Stimulates bone and muscle growth. Responsible for growth spurts.