human endocrine system

Endocrine system

The blood transports the hormones to the target organs where they perform their function

Exocrine system

Glands release their secretions via ducts to a body cavity or to the outside

Hormone

Chemical substance that is produced and secreted in a very small amount into the bloodstream by endocrine glands

Hypothalamus

Hypophysis

Thyroid

Adrenal glands

Pancreas

Hypophysis hormones

Thyroid stimulating hormone, Growth hormone (somatotropic hormone), FSH, LH, prolactin

Hypothalamus hormones

Antidiuretic hormone

Thyroid hormone

Thyroxin

Islet of langerhans hormone in the pancreas

Insulin, glucagon

Ovary hormone

Oestrogen, progesterone

Testis hormone

Testosterone

Adrenal gland hormones

Aldosterone, adrenalin

Thyroid stimulating hormone function

Stimulates thyroid to secrete thyroxin

Function of growth hormone (somatotropic hormone)

Promotes the growth of the skeleton and muscles by stimulating the synthesis of proteins

FSH function in females

Stimulates the development of primary follicles in the female ovary into mature Graafian follicles

FSH function in males

Activates the germinal epithelium that produces sperm cells in the testes

LH function in females

Stimulates ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum in the ovary

LH function in males

Stimulates the cells of leydig to produce testosterone

Prolactin function

Stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk after the birth of a baby

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) function

Controls the reabsorption of water by making walls of the renal tubules more permeable to water

Function of thyroxin

Increases basal metabolic rate so respiration occurs faster, increases breathing rate and heart rate.

Function of insulin

Decreases glucose level when blood glucose rises above normal

Glucagon function

Increases glucose level when blood glucose level drops below normal.

Aldosterone function

Regulates salt balance of the tissue fluid

Adrenalin function

Prepares the body for action in an emergency by accelerating heart rate and increasing blood pressure

Function of testosterone

Necessary for the maturation of sperm and contributes to quality of sperm

Function of oestrogen

Responsible for thickening of endometrium and preparation of uterus for implantation

Function of progesterone

Responsible for the thickening of the endometrium and maintenance of the endometrium during pregnancy