 The endocrine system is made up of glands and the hormones they secrete.

 The primary endocrine glands are the pituitary (the master gland), pineal,
thyroid, parathyroid, islets of Langerhans, adrenals, ovaries in the female
and testes in the male.
 Hormones: a chemical transmitter. It is released in small amounts from glands,
and is transported in the bloodstream to target organs or other cells.

1. Anterior Pituitary Gland Secretions:

a. Growth Hormone (GH) - essential for the growth and development of bones,
muscles, and other organs. It also enhances protein synthesis.

b. Adrenocorticotropin Hormone (ACTH) - controls release of corticosteroid

hormones like Cortisol. Secretion of ACTH is increased by corticotropin-
releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus.

c. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) - essential for the growth and

development of the thyroid gland.

d. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) - It stimulates the growth ovarian

follicles in the female and the production of sperm in the male.

e. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) - stimulates ovulation in female; testosterone

production in male.

f. Prolactin (PRL)- stimulates the development and growth of the mammary

glands and milk production during pregnancy.

g. Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (MSH)- regulates skin pigmentation and

promotes the deposit of melanin in the skin after exposure to sunlight
2. Posterior Pituitary Gland Secretions:
a. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) - stimulates the reabsorption of water by the
renal tubules. Happens when cells are dehydrated.
Hyposecretion of this hormone can result in diabetes insipidus.
Alcohol can inhibit ADH production.

b. Oxytocin- stimulates the uterus to contract during labor, delivery, and

parturition. It also stimulates the mammary glands to release milk.
Synthetic version: Pitocin (during induced labor)

3. Pineal Gland Secretions:

a. Melatonin – It has some effect on Circadian rhythms on sleep/awake
cycles and other biological events connected to them, such as a lower
production of gastric secretions at night.
Melatonin supplements promote sleep (sleeping pills).
Melatonin production can be inhibited by the exposure to blue
light/ artificial light.

b. Serotonin – It is involved in controlling your mood, and low serotonin

levels in the brain are thought to play a part in depression. It provides long
lasting feeling of happiness and well-being.

4. Thyroid Gland Secretions:

a. Calcitonin – It helps control the level of calcium (reabsorption) in your
blood. (for Hypercalcemia)
Calcitonin increases bone mass and can treat osteoporosis.

b. Thyroxine (T4) – plays a crucial role in heart and digestive function,

metabolism, brain development, bone health, and muscle control.

c. Triiodothyronine (T3) - it affects almost every physiological process in the

body, including growth and development, metabolism, body
temperature, and heart rate.
Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones thyroxine
(T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
5. Parathyroid Gland Secretions:
a. Parathyroid Hormone – Acts as the antagonist hormone of Calcitonin.
Allows calcium to be absorbed by blood. (for Hypocalcemia)

6. Pancreatic Secretions:

Islets of Langerhans: are small clusters of cells located in the

pancreas.

a. Insulin- is secreted by the beta cells and is essential for the maintenance
of normal blood sugar levels by removing glucose from blood to be
delivered to the liver as stored energy.
Inadequate levels result in diabetes mellitus.

b. Glucagon- is secreted by the alpha cells and is essential for converting

glycogen to glucose in the liver.

Delta cells suppress the release of glucagon and insulin.

7. Adrenal (Cortex) Gland Secretions:

a. Cortisol- helps the body cope during times of stress. It also has an
inflammatory effect.

b. Corticosterone- influences potassium and sodium metabolism

c. Aldosterone- is essential in regulating electrolyte and water balance.

d. Androgen- is several hormones including testosterone; they promote the

development of secondary sex characteristics in the male.

8. Adrenal (Medulla) Gland Secretions:

a. Dopamine- is used to treat shock. It dilates the arteries, elevates systolic
blood pressure, increases cardiac output, and increases urinary output.

It is known as the “pleasure hormone” because it is released as a

temporary pleasure when we are doing something that makes us feel
good.

b. Epinephrine (Adrenaline): It elevates systolic blood pressure, increases heart

rate and cardiac output, speeds up the release of glucose from the liver…
giving a spurt of energy, dilates the bronchial tubes and relaxes airways, and
dilates the pupils to see more clearly. It is often used to counteract an allergic
reaction.
 Norepinephrine (a neurohormone) is made from neurons in the
brainstem area of your brain and in an area near your spinal cord to
stimulate the adrenal gland to release Epinephrine.

9. Gonad Secretions:
a. Estrogen and Progesterone: hormones released by the ovaries for female.

b. Testosterone: hormones released by the testes for male.

10. Secretions in the Placenta:

Placenta serves as an endocrine gland during pregnancy to produce
chorionic gonadotropin hormone, estrogen, and progesterone.

11. Secretions in the Gastrointestinal Mucosa:

a. Gastrin- produced in the Pyloric area that stimulates the production of gastric
acid for digestion.

b. Secretin- produced between the duodenum and jejunum which stimulates

pancreatic juice, bile, and intestinal secretion (absorption).

12. Thymus Gland Secretions:

a. Thymosin- This is necessary for the Thymus’ normal production of T cells for
the immune system.