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      Hormones and the Endocrine System

      The endocrine system uses hormones to control and coordinate your body's internal metabolism energy level, reproduction, growth and development, and response to injury, stress, and environmental factors. Consider the following hormones and their role in the workings of the endocrine system:

      Where the hormone is produced

      Hormone(s) secreted

      Hormone function

      Adrenal glands

      Aldosterone

      Regulates salt, water balance, and blood pressure

      Adrenal glands

      Cortisol (corticosteroid)

      Controls key functions in the body; acts as an anti-inflammatory; maintains blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and muscle strength; regulates salt and water balance

      Pituitary gland

      Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin)

      Affects water retention in kidneys; controls blood pressure

      Pituitary gland

      Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

      Controls production of cortisol and other steroids made by the adrenal glands.

      Pituitary gland

      Growth hormone (GH)

      Affects growth and development; stimulates protein production; affects fat distribution

      Pituitary gland

      Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

      Controls production of sex hormones (estrogen in women and testosterone in men) and the production of eggs in women and sperm in men

      Pituitary gland

      Oxytocin

      Stimulates contraction of uterus and milk release in the female breast during breastfeeding. Also increases trust and bonding, especially between parents and children.

      Pituitary gland

      Prolactin

      Initiates and maintains milk production in breasts; impacts sex hormone levels

      Pituitary gland

      Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

      Stimulates the production and secretion of thyroid hormones

      Kidneys

      Renin

      Controls blood pressure, both directly and also by regulating angiotensin levels and aldosterone production from the adrenal glands

      Kidneys

      Erythropoietin

      Affects red blood cell (RBC) production

      Pancreas

      Glucagon

      Raises blood sugar levels

      Pancreas

      Insulin

      Lowers blood sugar levels; stimulates metabolism of glucose, protein, and fat

      Ovaries

      Estrogen

      Affects development of female sexual characteristics and reproductive development, important for functioning of uterus and breasts; also helps protect bone health

      Ovaries

      Progesterone

      Stimulates the lining of the uterus for fertilization; prepares the breasts for milk production

      Parathyroid glands

      Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

      Plays the most important role in regulating blood calcium levels

      Thyroid gland

      Thyroid hormone

      Controls metabolism; also affects growth, maturation, nervous system activity, and metabolism

      Adrenal glands

      Epinephrine

      Increases heart rate, oxygen intake, and blood flow

      Adrenal glands

      Norepinephrine

      Maintains blood pressure

      Testes (testicles)

      Testosterone

      Develops and maintains male sexual characteristics and maturation; also helps protect bone health

      Pineal gland

      Melatonin

      Helps with sleep

      Hypothalamus

      Growth hormone- releasing hormone (GHRH)

      Regulates growth hormone release in the pituitary gland

      Hypothalamus

      Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)

      Regulates thyroid stimulating hormone release in the pituitary gland

      Hypothalamus

      Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

      Regulates LH/FSH production in the pituitary gland

      Hypothalamus

      Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)

      Regulates adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release in the pituitary gland

      Thymus

      Humoral factors

      Helps develop the immune system during puberty

      Related Topics

      • Neurological Exam for Children
      • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
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