Hypothalamus – controls the pituitary gland, regulates body functions
Pituitary gland – “master gland,” secretes multiple hormones
Thyroid gland – regulates metabolism, requires iodine
Parathyroid glands – regulates calcium levels in blood
Adrenal glands – secretes epinephrine/norepinephrine (fight-or-flight)
Pancreas – regulates blood sugar (insulin & glucagon)
Pineal gland – regulates sleep-wake cycles (melatonin)
Thymus – important for immune system development
Ovaries & Testes – reproductive hormones
Growth hormone (GH) – stimulates growth in bones & muscles
Thyroxine (T4) – regulates metabolism
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) – increases blood calcium
Calcitonin – decreases blood calcium
Insulin – lowers blood sugar
Glucagon – raises blood sugar
Epinephrine & norepinephrine – fight-or-flight response
Oxytocin – childbirth contractions & bonding
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) – regulates water balance
Luteinizing hormone (LH) – stimulates sex hormone release
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) – stimulates egg/sperm production
Prolactin – promotes milk production
Melatonin – controls sleep cycles