What Secretes What?

This page has all the hormones that you need to know for this part of class.

Pituitary Gland- the pituitary gland is the control center or "master gland" of the endocrine system. It secretes both tropic (hormones that act on other endocrine glands) and non-tropic hormones.

• Tropic Hormones

Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH)	Stimulates hormone secretions of the thyroid gland.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)	Stimulates hormone secretions of the adrenal cortex.
Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH)	Stimulates gamete production (eggs & sperm).
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

• Non-tropic Hormones

Prolactin (PRL)	Stimulates milk production (lactation)
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)	Is very important for proper development of the musculoskeletal system.
Melanocyte-stimulating Hormone (MSH)	Promotes depositing of melanin in the skin.
Oxytocin	Stimulates contractions during childbirth.        *This hormone is controlled by positive feedback.*
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)	Helps with water retention; prevents dehydration.

Thyroid-secretes the following hormones.

Calcitonin	Helps maintain blood Ca levels; causes osteoblasts to deposit Ca into bone.
Thyroid Hormone (TH)	Glucose Oxidation (cellular respiration) Increasing metabolic rate. Maintaining B/P. Regulates tissue growth. Developing skeletal and nervous systems. Maturation/reproductive capabilities. Heat production.

Parathyroid Glands- are located on the dorsal aspect of the thyroid. They only secrete one hormone.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Stimulates osteoclasts to break down bone, which helps maintain blood Ca levels.

Adrenal Glands- these glands are located on the superior aspect of the kidneys, and secrete the following hormones.

Mineralcorticoids (i.e. Aldosterone)	Maintains Na (Sodium) balance.
Glucocorticoids (i.e. Cortisol)	Helps the body resist stress. Low levels of this type of hormone can cause immune system problems.
Gonadocorticoids (Androgens)	Influence the onset of puberty. Secondary sex characteristics. Libido (sex drive) Can be converted to estrogens after menopause in women.
Epinepherine (a.k.a. Adrenaline)	Affects heart rate and metabolic activities.
Norepinephrine	Causes peripheral vasoconstriction.

Pancreas-has both exocrine and endocrine secretions. The exocrine product is an enzyme-rich juice that is used for digestion. Endocrine secretions are secreted by the pancreatic islets or Islets of Langerhans. These islets have two cell types: alpha cells and beta cells. Alpha and beta cells make different hormones.

Alpha cells	Glucagon	Increases blood glucose.
Beta cells	Insulin	Decreases blood glucose.

Ovaries- these are the female gonads. They secrete the following hormones:

Estrogen
Progestrone	Helps mature the reproductive organs. Contributes to secondary sex characteristics. Breast development & menses.

Testes- these are the male gonads. They secrete the following hormone:

Testosterone

Helps mature the testes. Contributes to secondary sex characteristics & libido. Important in sperm production (spermatogenesis).

Pineal Gland- is located in the brain and is very important in establishing circadian rhythms.

Melatonin

Promotes sleepiness. Helps control body temperature and apetite.