S.

No ENDOCRINE GLANDS HORMONES SECRETED FUNCTIONS

1. Hypothalamus • Releasing Hormones: Eg. GnRH Regulate the synthesis and secretion
• Inhibiting hormone: Eg. of Pituitary hormones.
Somatosatin
2. Pituitary gland • Growth Hormone (GH) Over-secretion and low secretion
leads to gigantism and dwarfism
respectively.
• Prolactin (PRL) Regulates the growth of the
mammary glands and formation of
milk.

• Thyroid stimulating hormone Stimulates the synthesis and

(TSH) secretion of thyroid hormones from
the thyroid gland.

• Adrenocorticotrophic hormone Stimulates the synthesis and

(ACTH) secretion of steroid hormones called
glucocorticoids from the adrenal
cortex.

• Luteinizing hormone (LH) Stimulate gonadal activity. Also

known as Gonadotrophins.
Stimulates the synthesis and
secretion of androgens. LH and
androgens regulate
spermatogenesis.

• Follicle stimulating hormone Induces ovulation of fully mature

(FSH) follicles and maintains the corpus
luetum. Stimulates growth and
development of the ovarian follicles
in females.

• Melanocyte stimulating Acts on melanocytes and regulates

hormone (MSH) pigmentation of the skin.

• Oxytocin Acts on smooth muscles and

stimulates contraction. Stimulates a
vigorous contraction of uterus at the
time of child birth and milk ejection
from the mammary gland.

• Vasopressin or Anti-diuretic Stimulates reabsorption of water

hormone (ADH) and electrolytes by the distal
tubules. Reduces loss of water
through urine (diuresis)
3. Pineal Gland • Melatonin Regulation of a 24-hour (diurnal)
rhythm of our body. Influences
metabolism, pigmentation,
menstrual cycle and defense
capacity.

4. Thyroid Gland • Tetraiodothyronine or thyroxine Regulation of the basal metabolic

(T4) rate. Support the process of RBC
• Triiodothyronine (T3) formation. Control metabolism of
carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Maintenance of water and
electrolyte balance.

• Thyrocalcitonin (TCT) Regulates the blood calcium levels.

5. Parathyroid Gland • Parathyroid hormone (PTH) Increases Ca+2 levels in blood.

Stimulates the process of bone
resorption.

6. Thymus • Thymosins Differentiation of T-lymphocytes,

which provide cell-mediated
immunity. Promote production of
antibodies.

7. Adrenal Gland • Adrenal medulla- adrenaline, Increases alertness, pupillary

noradrenaline dilation, piloerection, sweating etc.
Increases the heartbeat, the
strength of heart contraction and
the rate of respiration. Stimulate
breakdown of glycogen, lipids and
proteins.

• Adrenal cortex- Corticoids Stimulate gluconeogenesis, lipolysis

and proteolysis. Inhibit cellular
uptake and utilization of amino
acids. Maintains cardio-vascular
system as well as kidney functions.
Stimulates RBC production.
Aldosterone helps in the
maintenance of electrolytes, body
fluid volume, osmotic pressure and
blood pressure.

8. Pancreas • Glucagon Acts on liver cells (hepatocytes) and

stimulates glycogenolysis resulting
in an increased blood sugar.
Reduces cellular glucose uptake and
utilization.
 • Insulin Regulation of glucose homeostasis.
Acts mainly on hepatocytes and
adipocytes. Enhances cellular
glucose uptake and utilization.
Stimulates conversion of glucose to
glycogen

9. Testis • Androgens Regulate the development,

maturation and functions of the
male accessory organs. Influence
the male sexual behavior.
Stimulatory role in the process of
spermatogenesis. Produces anabolic
effects on protein and carbohydrate
metabolism.

10. Ovaries • Estrogen Stimulation of growth and activities

of female secondary sex organs,
development of ovarian follicles,
appearance of female secondary sex
characters. Regulate female sexual
behavior.

• Progesterone Supports pregnancy. Acts on

mammary glands and stimulates the
formation of alveoli and milk
secretion.

11. Atrium • Atrial natriuretic factor Dilation of blood vessels. Reduction

of blood pressure.

12. Juxtaglomerular cells • Erythropoietin Erythropoiesis (formation of RBC)

13. Gastro-intestinal • Gastrin Acts on gastric glands and stimulate

tract the secretion of hydrochloric acid
and pepsinogen.

• Secretin Acts on exocrine pancreas and

• Cholecystokinin (CCK)
• Gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP)
stimulates the secretion of water
and bicarbonate ions.
Acts on both pancreas and gall
bladder and stimulates the secretion
of pancreatic enzymes and bile juice
respectively.
Inhibits gastric secretion and
motility.