Endocrine System Summary
Source
Pancreas
Adrenal
medulla
Adrenal
cortex
Thyroid
Hormone
Principal Effects
Insulin
Stimulates glycogen formation and
storage; stimulates glucose oxidation;
stimulates cellular uptake of amino
acids and fatty acids: synthesis of
protein and fat
Glucagon
Stimulates conversion of glycogen into
glucose leading to increased blood
glucose
Adrenalin
(Epinephrine)
Stimulates elevation of blood-glucose
concentration; stimulates "fight-or
flight" reactions
Noradrenalin
(Noradrenaline)
Stimulates reactions similar to those
produced by adrenalin, but causes
more vasoconstriction and is less
effective in conversion of glycogen
into glucose
Glucocorticoids
(corticosterone, cortisol,
cortisone, etc.)
Stimulate formation of carbohydrate
from protein, thus elevating glycogen
stores and helping maintain normal
blood-sugar levels
Mineralocorticoids
(aldosterone,
deoxycorticosterone, etc.
Stimulate kidney tubules to reabsorb
more sodium and water and less
potassium
Cortical sex hormones
Stimulate development of secondary
sexual characteristics, particularly
those of the male
Calcitonin
Prevents excessive rise in blood
calcium
Thyroxine and
triiodothyronine (together
called thyroid hormone)
Hypothalamus Releasing hormones
Stimulate oxygen uptake and oxidate
metabolism; help regulate growth and
development
Regulate hormone secretion by the
anterior pituitary
Parathyroids
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) Regulates calcium-phosphate balance;
acts to increase blood calcium ion level
Posterior
pituitary
Oxytocin
Stimulates contraction of uterine
muscles; stimulates release of milk by
mammary glands
Vasopressin
Stimulates increased water resorption
by kidneys; stimulates constriction of
blood vessels
Growth hormone (STH)
Stimulates growth; stimulates protein
synthesis, hydrolysis of fates, and
increased blood-glucose concentration
Prolactin
Stimulates milk secretion by mammary
glands; participates in control of
reproduction, osmoregulation, growth,
and metabolism
Thyrotropic hormone
(TSH)
Stimulates the thyroid
Adrenocorticotropic
hormone (ACTH)
Stimulates the adrenal cortex
Follicle stimulating
hormone (FSH)
Stimulates growth of ovarian follicles
and of seminiferous tubules of the
testes
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Stimulates ovulation and conversion of
follicles into corpora lutea; stimulates
secretion of sex hormones by ovaries
and testes
Anterior
pituitary
Pineal
Melatonin
Contributes to regulation of the
body’s biological clock.
Testes
Testosterone
Stimulates development and
maintenance of male accessory
reproductive structures, secondary
sexual characteristics, and behavior;
stimulates spermatogenesis
Ovaries
Estrogen
Stimulates development and
maintenance of female accessory
reproductive structures, secondary
sexual characteristics, and behavior;
stimulates growth of the uterine lining
Progesterone
Prepares uterus for embryo
implantation and helps maintain
pregnancy