Endocrine System Cheat Sheet Hormone Function Anterior Pituitary Gland Growth hormone (GH) Stimulates the growth of all tissues and organs, especially bone, cartilage, and skeletal muscle; stimulates the transport of amino acids into cells and the synthesis of glucose during periods of fasting Prolactin Stimulates the breast to develop; maintains milk production after birth; also called lactogenic hormone Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) Stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) Stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete steroids, especially cortisol Gonadotropic hormones Stimulates the development of ova and sperm Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Causes ovulation in women; stimulates secretion of progesterone in women and testosterone in men Luteinizing hormone (LH) Posterior Pituitary Gland Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) Stimulates water reabsorption by the kidneys; also constricts blood vessels Oxytocin Contracts uterine muscle during labor; releases milk from the mammary glands during breast-feeding (milk let-down reflex) Hormones of the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands Thyroid hormones (T3, T4) Triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4, or thyroxine) secreted by the thyroid gland; control metabolic rate and regulate physical and neurologic growth and development Calcitonin Secreted by the thyroid gland; regulates calcium and phosphate (decreases plasma levels of calcium and phosphate) Endocrine System Cheat Sheet Hormone Parathyroid hormone (PTH) Function Secreted by the parathyroid glands; regulates calcium and phosphate (increases plasma calcium; exerts a phosphaturic effect) Hormones of the Adrenal Gland Catecholamines Secreted by the adrenal medulla Epinephrine Stimulate the “fight-or-flight” response; epinephrine increases blood glucose Norepinephrine Steroids Secreted by the adrenal cortex. Cortisol Glucocorticoid that helps regulate glucose, fat, and protein metabolism; is part of the stress response. Cortisol increases blood glucose. Mineralocorticoid that causes the kidneys to reabsorb sodium and water and excrete potassium; helps regulate extracellular fluids and electrolytes (especially Na+ and K+). Aldosterone Sex hormones The androgens (especially testosterone) help develop the secondary sex characteristics in the female and male. Hormones of the Pancreas Insulin Secreted by beta cells of the islets of Langerhans; helps regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats; lowers blood glucose levels Glucagon Secreted by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans; increases blood glucose levels Other Hormones Estrogens and progesterone Secreted by the ovaries; stimulate the development of the ova (eggs) and development of secondary sex characteristics in the female. Promote conditions necessary for pregnancy. Testosterone Secreted primarily by the testes; chief male androgen; stimulates development of sperm and secondary sex characteristics in the male Thymosin Stimulates maturation of the T lymphocytes; secreted by the thymus gland Melatonin Secreted by the pineal gland; helps set the biorhythms and participates in the sleep– wake cycle