Endocrine Hormones and Their Functions

These flashcards cover key hormones, their sources, effects, and regulatory mechanisms in the endocrine system.

Vasopressin

Hormone secreted from the posterior pituitary that promotes retention of water and increases blood pressure.

Oxytocin

Hormone produced in the hypothalamus and secreted by the posterior pituitary, involved in childbirth and lactation.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Hormone released from the anterior pituitary that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol and androgens.

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

Hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates the release of thyroid hormones.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

Hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates the release of sex hormones.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates the release of sex hormones.

Growth hormone (GH)

Hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that promotes growth and stimulates the release of IGF (somatomedins).

Prolactin

Hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that promotes milk synthesis during lactation.

Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH)

Hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the release of TSH.

Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH)

Hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the release of ACTH.

Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH)

Hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the release of growth hormone.

Growth hormone inhibiting hormone (GHIH)

Hormone released by the hypothalamus that inhibits the release of growth hormone.

Melatonin

Hormone produced by the pineal gland that promotes circadian rhythms in body cells.

Somatomedins

Hormones released by the liver that promote growth and are regulated by growth hormone.

T3 & T4

Thyroid hormones that regulate metabolic rate, heart rate, and enhance sympathetic effects.

Aldosterone

Mineralocorticoid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that increases blood sodium and blood pressure.

Cortisol

Glucocorticoid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that increases blood glucose levels for stress response.

Adrenal cortex androgens

Hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex that influence female characteristics and sex drive.

Epinephrine & norepinephrine

Catecholamines produced by the adrenal medulla involved in the fight or flight response.

Insulin

Hormone produced by the pancreas that decreases blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

Hormone produced by the pancreas that increases blood glucose levels.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Hormone secreted by the parathyroid gland that increases blood calcium levels.

Vitamin D

Hormone synthesized in the skin that increases calcium absorption when activated.

Calcitonin

Hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that decreases blood calcium levels.