Major Hormones of the Endocrine System

oxytocin

Posterior pituitary; stimulates contraction of uterus and mammary gland cells

ADH (Antidiuretic hormone)

Posterior pituitary; promotes retention of water by kidneys

GH (growth hormone)

Anterior pituitary; stimulates growth, especially bones and metabolic functions

PRL (prolactin)

Anterior pituitary; stimulates milk production and secretion

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)

Anterior pituitary; stimulates production of ova and sperm

LH (luteinizing hormone)

Anterior pituitary; stimulates ovaries and testes

TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)

Anterior pituitary; stimulates thyroid gland

ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)

Anterior pituitary; stimulates adrenal cortex to secrete glucocorticoids

T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 (thyroxine)

Thyroid gland; stimulate and maintain metabolic processes

Calcitonin

Thyroid gland; lowers blood calcium level

PTH (parathyroid hormone)

Parathyroid gland; raises blood calcium level

Insulin

Pancreas; lowers blood glucose level

Glucagon

Pancreas; raises blood glucose level

Epinephrine, norepinephrine

Adrenal medula; raise blood glucose level/ increase metabolic activities/ constrict certain blood vessels

Glucocorticoids

Adrenal medula; raise blood glucose level

Mineralocorticoids

Adrenal medula; promote re absorption of Na+ and excretion of K+ in kidneys

Androgens

Testes; support sperm formation/ promote development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics

Estrogens

Ovaries; stimulate uterine lining growth/ promote development and maintenance of female secondary sex characteristics

Progesterone

Ovaries; promotes uterine lining growth

Melatonin

Pineal gland; involved in biological rhythms

Thymosin

Thymus; stimulates T lymphocytes