Hormones of the Body

Our bodies are composed of different glands, that secrete hormones, that help to regulate the body. These hormones are released into the body, into the bloodstream, and activate to control metabolic activities, growth, and development.

Endocrine Glands (ductless glands)

Anterior Lobe of the Pituitary Gland

• Growth Hormone (GH)
• Regulates the growth of the body
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
• Stimulates the adrenal cortex
• Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
• Stimulates the Thyroid Gland
• Gonadoptropic Hormones
• Affect the male and female reproductive systems
• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
• Regulates development, growth, and function of the ovaries and testes
• Proloactin-Releasing Hormone (PRH), Lactogenic Hormone
• Promotes the development of glandular tissue during pregnancy and produces milk after birth of an infant

Posterior Lobes of the Pituitary Gland

• Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
• Stimulates the kidney to reabsorb water
• Oxytocin 
• Stimulates uterine contractions during labor and postpartum

Thyroid Gland

• Triiodothyronine and Thyroxine
• Body cell metabolism 

Parathyroid Gland

• Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
• Helps to maintain a level of calcium int he blood

Islets of Langerhans

• Clusters of endocrine tissues found throughout the pancreas which help to facilitate digestion

Adrenal Glands

• Cortisol
• Aids the body during stress by increasing glucose levels to provide energy
• Aldosterone
• Regulates the electrolytes used for body function
• Epinephrine
• Help the body deal with stress by increasing HR (heart rate), BP (blood pressure), HB (heart beat), and Respirations 
• Norepinephrine

Exocrine Glands (duct glands)

• Saliva 
• Used to break down food in the mouth

Male/Female sex hormones

• Testosterone
• Principle male sex hormone
• Development of the reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics such as facial hair
• Estrogen
• Principle female sex hormone
• Helps control and guide sexual development