Hypothalamus

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)

Inhibits growth hormone secretion.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

Triggers the release of growth hormone.

Growth hormone inhibitory hormone (GHIH) (somatostatin)

Triggers the release of ACTH.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)

Stimulates secretion of TSH and prolactin.

Triggers the release of LH and FSH.

Dopamine or prolactin-inhibiting factor (PIF)

Inhibits prolactin secretion.

Anterior Pituitary Gland

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Stimulates the synthesis and secretion of adrenocortical hormones

(cortisol, androgens, and aldosterone).

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

In women, it stimulates the growth of the ovarian follicle.

In men, it stimulates the maturation of sperm in the testes.

Growth hormone

Stimulates the synthesis of proteins and growth of cells and tissues.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

In women, it stimulates ovulation, formation of the corpus luteum and

production of estrogen and progesterone.

In men, it stimulates the testes to produce testosterone.

Prolactin

Promotes the development of breasts in women and milk production and

secretion.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Stimulates the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones (thyroxine and

triiodothyronine).

Posterior Pituitary Gland

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) / Vasopressin

Stimulates the reabsorption of water from urine in the kidneys.

It also triggers vasoconstriction.

Both the retention of water and vasoconstriction increases blood pressure.

Oxytocin

Stimulates the secretion of milk from the breasts.

Triggers and enhances of uterine contractions.

Pineal Gland
The pineal gland was believed to play no significant role in the body an was thought of as a vestigial
remnant. It is now known that the pineal gland secretes melatonin and related hormones which may
play a role in sleep and possibly affect the secretion of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating
hormone.

Thyroid

Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3)

Increases the bodys metabolic rate by acting on most cells.

Calcitonin

Promotes calcium deposition in the bones.

Also reduces the calcium levels present in the blood and tissue fluid

Parathyroid

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Increases calcium absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.

Triggers the release of calcium from the bones.

These two effects increases the calcium concentration in the blood.

Adrenal cortex

Cortisol

It is a glucocorticoid that has a wide range of metabolic and antiinflammatory effects as described under natural corticosteroids.

Aldosterone

It is a mineralocorticoid that regulates the concentration of essential

electrolytes in the body as discussed under natural corticosteroids.

Adrenal medulla

Norepinephrine and epinephrine

Has the same effects on target organs as stimulation by the sympathetic

nerves but is longer lasting

Pancreas

Insulin

Acts on cells to increase glucose uptake from the blood.

Glucagon

Promotes the release of stored glucose from the liver and production of
glucose if necessary.

Testes

Testosterone

Promotes the development and maturation of the testes, as well as the

sexual characteristics of men.

Ovaries

Estrogen

Promotes tissue development in the female reproductive system, including

the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and genitalia.

Increases the growth and development of the and breasts, as well as the
sexual characteristics of women.

Progesterone

Promotes secretory changes in the uterus and fallopian tubes in

preparation of pregnancy.

Stimulates the development of milk-producing tissue in the breast but

does not stimulate actual breast milk secretion.

Thymus Gland
The thymus gland in adults seems to have little functionality compared to early life but plays a role in
the maturation of immune cells. It is not an endocrine gland.
The following tissues and organs in the body also produce and secrete hormones but are not
endocrine glands.