Hormone Target(s) Function

ACTH Adrenals Stimulates the adrenal gland to produce a hormone called

cortisol. ACTH is also known as corticotrophin.
TSH Thyroid Stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete its own hormone, which
is called thyroxine. TSH is also known as thyrotrophin.
LH & Ovaries Controls reproductive functioning and sexual characteristics.
FSH (women) Stimulates the ovaries to produce oestrogen and progesterone
and the testes to produce testosterone and sperm. LH and FSH
Testes
are known collectively as gonadotrophins. LH is also referred
(men)
to as interstitial cell stimulating hormone (ICSH) in males.
PRL Breasts Stimulates the breasts to produce milk. This hormone is
secreted in large amounts during pregnancy and breast feeding,
but is present at all times in both men and women.
GH All cells in Stimulates growth and repair. Research is currently being
the body carried out to identify the functions of GH in adult life.
MSH Exact role in humans is unknown.
ADH Kidneys Controls the blood fluid and mineral levels in the body by
affecting water retention by the kidneys. This hormone is also
known vasopressin or argenine vasopressin (AVP).
Oxytocin Uterus Affects uterine contractions in pregnancy and birth and
subsequent release of breast milk.
Breasts

The secretion of hormones from the anterior pituitary is controlled by the production of
hormones by the hypothalamus. Although there are a number of different hormones they can be
split into two main types:
 hormones that tell the pituitary to switch on production of a hormone (a releasing hormone)
 hormones that tell the pituitary to switch off production of a hormone (an inhibiting hormone).
The hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary are produced in the hypothalamus and then
passed down a tube between the hypothalamus and the pituitary (the pituitary stalk) when they
are then secreted into the blood.

Hormone Organ Function

Cortisol Adrenals Cortisol has a number of functions. It promotes normal metabolism,

maintains blood sugar levels and blood pressure, provides resistance to
stress and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. It also plays a part in
regulation of fluid balance in the body.
Thyroxine Thyroid Thyroxine controls many body functions, including heart rate,
temperature and metabolism. It also plays a role in the metabolism of
calcium in the body.

Oestrogen Ovaries Oestrogen facilitates growth of the tissues of the sex organs and other
tissues related to reproduction. Oestrogen also acts to strengthen bones
and has a protective effect on the heart.

Progesterone Ovaries Progesterone promotes the changes in the uterus that occur in
preparation for the implantation of a fertilised ovum and prepares the
breasts for milk production.

Testosterone Testes Testosterone is responsible for the characteristics of the masculine

body, including hair growth on the face and body and muscle
development. Testosterone is essential for the production of sperm and
also acts to strengthen bones.

Target
Hormones Principle Action
Tissue
ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Adrenal
Stimulates secretion of glucocorticoids.
hormone) cortex
TSH (Thyroid stimulating Thyroid
Stimulates secretion of thyroid hormones.
hormone) gland
hGH (Human growth Promotes protein synthesis and growth;
Liver
hormone) lipolysis and increased blood glucose.
FSH (Follicle stimulating Promotes gamete production and estrogen
Gonads
hormone) production in females.
Mammary Promotes milk production in lactating
PRL (Prolactin)
Glands females.
Stimulates sex hormone secretion; ovulation
LH (Luteinizing hormone) Gonads and corpus luteum formation in females;
testosterone secretion in males.
MSH (Melanocyte-stimulating
Skin Contributes to darkening of the skin.
hormone)