MAJOR ENDOCRINE GLANDS And Some

Of Their Hormones
GLAND HORMONE REPRESENTATIVE ACTIONS
Pineal body Melatonin Involved in biological rhythms (daily
and seasonal)
Pituitary gland: Oxytocin Stimulates contraction of uterus and
Posterior lobe the milk “let-down” reflex
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) Promotes retention of water by
kidneys
Growth hormone (GH) Stimulates growth (especially of bones
and muscles) and metabolism
Prolactin (PRL) Stimulates milk production
Follicle – stimulating hormone (FSH) Stimulates production of ova and
Pituitary gland: sperm
Anterior lobe Luteinizing hormone (LH) / Stimulates ovaries and testes
Interstitial cell stimulating hormone
(ICSH)
Thyroid – stimulating hormone (TSH) Stimulates thyroid gland
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) Stimulates adrenal cortex to secrete
glucocorticoids
Thyroid gland Thyroxine (T4) and Stimulate metabolism
Triiodothyronine (T3)
Calcitonin Reduces blood calcium level
Parathyroid glands Parathyroid hormone (PTH) Raises blood calcium level
Thymus gland Thymosin “Programs” T lymphocytes
Adrenal glands: Epinephrine and Raise blood glucose level; increase
Adrenal medulla Norepinephrine rate of metabolism; constrict certain
blood vessels
Adrenal glands: Glucocorticoids Increase blood glucose
Adrenal cortex Mineralocorticoids Promote reabsorption of sodium and
exretion of potassium in kidneys
Pancreas Insulin Reduces blood glucose
Glucagon Raises blood glucose
Gonads: Androgens Support sperm formation; development
Testes and maintenance of male secondary
 sex characteristics
Gonads: Estrogens Stimulate uterine lining growth;
Ovaries development and maintenance of
female secondary characteristics
Progesterone Promotes growth of uterine lining