GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone)
produced by: specialised nerve cells in hypothalamus of the brain
target: anterior pituitary gland
function: stimulates synthesis and secretion of LH and FSH
LH (luteinizing hormone)
produced by: gonadotropic cells of the anterior pituitary gland
target: ovaries and testes
function: stimulates ovulation and sex hormone release
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)
produced by: gonadotropic cells of the anterior pituitary gland
target: sertoli cells within testes (males) and the granulosa cells of ovary (females)
function: stimulates development of eggs and sperm
GH (growth hormone)
produced by: anterior lobe of pituitary gland
target: liver, adipose tissue
function: stimulates the growth of essentially all tissues of the body, including bone
PRL (prolactin)
produced by: anterior pituitary gland
target: mammary gland
function: promotes milk production
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
produced by: anterior pituitary
target: thyroid gland
function: regulates thyroid hormones
OCT (oxytocin)
produced by: posterior pituitary gland
target: uterus and mammary glands
function: stimulates milk secretion and uterine contractions
ADH (antidiuretic hormone)
produced by: posterior lobe of pituitary gland
target: tubular cells of kidneys
function: regulates and balances the amount of water in your blood
Melatonin
produced by: pineal gland
target: brain (Suprachiasmatic nuclei)
function: regulates sleep-wake cycles
TH (thyroid hormone)
produced by: thyroid gland
target: all cells (?)
function: stimulates metabolism
Calcitonin
produced by: thyroid gland
target: bones
function: lowers blood calcium levels
PTH (parathyroid hormone)
produced by: parathyroid glands
target: kidneys, skeletal system, and intestine
function: increases blood calcium
Thymosin
produced by: thymus gland
target: white blood cells
function: stimulates development of disease-fighting T cells (keep us healthy by attacking virus-infected or cancerous cells)
Insulin
produced by: beta cells in pancreas
target: liver
function: stimulates the liver and most other body cells to absorb glucose; reduces blood sugar
Glucagon
produced by: alpha cells in the pancreas
target: liver
function: stimulates conversion of stored glycogen (stored in the liver) to glucose, which can be released into the bloodstream
Cortisol
produced by: adrenal gland
target: all cells (?)
function: resistance to stress, increases blood glucose levels
Aldosterone
produced by: adrenal gland
target: kidney
function: affects the body's ability to regulate blood pressure
Epinephrine
produced by: adrenal glands
target: muscles and blood vessels
function: increase cardiac output; raise glucose levels in the blood
Norepinephrine
produced by: adrenal glands
target: muscles and blood vessels
function: increases blood pressure and heart rate; constricts blood vessels
Estrogen
produced by: ovaries
target: female reproductive system
function: causes sexual development and growth; maintains proper functioning of female reproductive system
Progesterone
produced by: ovaries
target: mammary glands, uterus
function: prepares uterus for pregnancy
Testosterone
produced by: testes
target: throughout body
function: causes sexual development and growth spurt; maintains proper functioning of male reproductive system
Androgen
produced by: adrenal gland
target: gonads, skin, muscles and bone
function: crucial for male sexual and reproductive function (males), converted into the female hormones called estrogens (females)