Endocrine Gland | Hormone(s) Produced | Function |
---|---|---|
Pituitary gland (anterior lobe) | ||
Corticotropin (adrenocorticotropic hormone) | Stimulates the production and secretion of hormones by the adrenal cortex | |
Growth hormone (somatotropin) | Promotes growth of the body and influences the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids | |
Follicle-stimulating hormone | Stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries and induces the formation of sperm in the testes | |
Luteinizing hormone | Stimulates ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum in the female and the production of testosterone by the testes in the male | |
Prolactin | Stimulates the mammary glands to produce and secrete milk | |
Thyroid-stimulating hormone | Stimulates the production and secretion of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland | |
Pituitary gland (posterior lobe) | ||
Antidiuretic hormone; also known as arginine vasopressin | Causes the kidneys to conserve water by concentrating the urine and reducing urine volume; also has lesser role in regulating blood pressure | |
Oxytocin | Stimulates the contraction of smooth muscle of the uterus during labor and facilitates ejection of milk from the breast during nursing | |
Parathyroid glands | ||
Parathyroid hormone | Raises the blood calcium concentration by promoting absorption of calcium by the intestine, mobilizing calcium salts from bones, and increasing the ability of the kidney to recover calcium from urine; also lowers phosphate by enhancing its excretion by the kidneys | |
Thyroid glands | ||
Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4 ) | Increase the basal metabolic rate; synthesize proteins; also regulate protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism | |
Calcitonin | Participates in calcium and phosphorus metabolism; reduces calcium levels in the blood | |
Adrenal glands | ||
Aldosterone | Helps regulate salt and water balance by retaining sodium (salt) and water and excreting potassium | |
Cortisol | Has widespread effects throughout the body; involved in the response to stress; active in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism; helps maintain blood sugar level; suppresses inflammation and immune responses; can interfere with the healing of wounds and decrease scar formation | |
Epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine | Released in response to stress; stimulates heart action and increases cardiac output, blood pressure, metabolic rate, and blood glucose concentration; also raises blood sugar and fatty acid levels | |
Pancreas | ||
Insulin | Lowers blood sugar level; affects the metabolism of sugar, protein, and fat | |
Glucagon | Raises blood sugar level, thus opposing the action of insulin | |
Ovaries | ||
Estrogen | Controls female reproductive system, along with other hormones; also involved in maturation of reproductive organs at puberty | |
Progesterone | Prepares the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg, maintains pregnancy, and promotes development of the mammary glands | |
Testes | ||
Testosterone | Responsible for the development of the male reproductive system and secondary male sexual characteristics |