L2.7.1: Major Endocrine Glands and Some of their Hormones

• Hypothalamus

  • Hormones released by the posterior pituitary; releasing and inhibiting hormones that regulate the anterior pituitary
• Pituitary Gland POSTERIOR LOBE

  • Oxytocin
  • Peptide
  • Stimulates contraction of uterus and the milk “let-down” reflex
  • Hypothalamus, in response to uterine stretching and/or suckling of a baby
• Pituitary Gland POSTERIOR LOBE

  • Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
  • Peptide
  • Promotes retention of water by kidneys
  • Hypothalamus, in response to water/salt imbalance
• Pituitary Gland ANTERIOR LOBE

  • Growth hormone (GH)
  • Protein
  • Stimulates growth especially bones and muscles, and metabolism
  • Hypothalamic releasing and inhibiting hormones
• Pituitary Gland ANTERIOR LOBE

  • Prolactin (PRL)
  • Protein
  • Stimulates milk production
  • Hypothalamic hormones
• Pituitary Gland ANTERIOR LOBE

  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
  • Protein
  • Stimulates production of ova and sperm
  • Hypothalamic hormones
• Pituitary Gland ANTERIOR LOBE

  • Luteinizing hormone (LH)
  • Protein
  • Stimulates ovaries and testes
  • Hypothalamic hormones
• Pituitary Gland ANTERIOR LOBE

  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
  • Protein
  • Stimulates thyroid gland
  • Thyroxine in blood; Hypothalamic hormones
• Pituitary Gland ANTERIOR LOBE

  • Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
  • Protein
  • Stimulates adrenal cortex to secrete glucocorticoids
  • Glucocorticoids; Hypothalamic hormones
• Pineal Gland

  • Melatonin
  • Amine
  • Involved in biological rhythms (daily and seasonal)
  • light/dark cycles
• Thyroid Gland

  • Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3)
  • Amine
  • Stimulates metabolism
  • TSH
• Thyroid Gland

  • Calcitonin
  • Peptide
  • Reduces blood calcium ion level
  • Calcium ion level in blood
• Parathyroid Glands

  • Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
  • Peptide
  • Raises blood calcium ion level
  • Calcium ion level in blood
• Thymus

  • Thymosin
  • Peptide
  • Programs T lymphocytes
  • Not known
• Adrenal Glands ADRENAL MEDULLA

  • Epinephrine and norepinephrine
  • Amines
  • Raise blood glucose level; Increase rate of metabolism; Constrict certain blood vessels
  • Sympathetic NS
• Adrenal Glands ADRENAL CORTEX

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Steroids
  • Increase blood glucose level
  • ACTH
• Adrenal Glands ADRENAL CORTEX

  • Mineralocorticoids
  • Steroids
  • Promote reabsorption of Na+ and excretion of K+ in kidneys
  • Changes in blood volume or blood pressure; K+ or NA+ level in blood
• Pancreas

  • Insulin
  • Protein
  • Reduces blood glucose level
  • Glucose level in blood
• Pancreas

  • Glucagon
  • Protein
  • Raises blood glucose level
  • Glucose level in blood
• Gonads TESTES

  • Androgens
  • Steroids
  • Support sperm formation; Development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics
  • FSH and LH
• Gonads OVARIES

  • Estrogens
  • Steroids
  • Stimulate uterine lining growth; Development and maintenance of female secondary sex characteristics
  • FSH and LH
• Gonads OVARIES

  • Progesterone
  • Steroids
  • Promotes growth of uterine lining
  • FSH and LH