Major endocrine glands and their hormones.
Gland |
Hormone |
Function/Action |
1. Hypothalamus |
Releasing hormones |
Regulation of the secretion of hormones from pituitary gland. |
2. Pituitary (the master gland) |
Growth hormone antidiuretic hormone (ADH) |
Regulates tissue and bone growth, controls the amount of water reabsorbed by the kidney. |
ACTH |
Stimulates adrenal cortex to make cortisone. |
|
FSH |
Stimulates the ovary to produce estrogen. |
|
TSH |
Stimulates thyroids to make thyroxine. |
|
Prolactin |
Regulation of function of mammary gland. |
|
Vasopressin |
Regulation of water and electrolyte balance. |
|
Oxytocin |
Regulation of the ejection of milk during lactation. |
|
3. Thyroid |
Thyroxine |
Regulates the rate of growth and metabolism. Too little of this hormone causes over weight and sluggishness. Too much of it leads to thinness and overactivity. |
4. Parathyroid |
Calcitonin |
Regulation of blood calcium and phosphate. |
5. Adrenal (cortex) |
Cortisone |
Produced by the outside parts (cortex) of this gland. Aids conversion of proteins to sugar. |
6. Adrenal (medulla) |
Adrenaline (epinephrine) and Nor-adrenaline (norepinephrine) |
Adrenaline (epinephrine) is released in case of anger, fear of depression (i.e., emotional stress). It increases heart beat. Noradrenaline causes reduction of cardiac output as well as heart rate. |
(Cortex) |
Corticoids |
Corticoids regulate salt-water balance, carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. |
7 Pancreas |
Insulin |
Regulates sugar metabolism. Too little of insulin leads to high sugar level in the blood and weakness—a condition called diabetes. |
Glucagon |
Increase of blood sugars. |
|
8. Ovary |
Estrogen |
Many functions and features such as development of breasts. |
Progesterone |
Maintenance of pregnancy. |
|
9. Testis |
Testosterone |
Many masculine features such as the growth of mustaches and beard. |