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Overview of Human Endocrine Hormones

The endocrine system is comprised of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate distant target tissues and organs. The major glands include the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, testes, thymus, and pineal gland. Hormones can be classified into four groups: amino acid-derived, polypeptides, proteins, and steroids. Each gland secretes specific hormones that target particular tissues to perform major functions like development, metabolism, fluid balance, and reproduction.

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173 views1 page

Overview of Human Endocrine Hormones

The endocrine system is comprised of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate distant target tissues and organs. The major glands include the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, testes, thymus, and pineal gland. Hormones can be classified into four groups: amino acid-derived, polypeptides, proteins, and steroids. Each gland secretes specific hormones that target particular tissues to perform major functions like development, metabolism, fluid balance, and reproduction.

Uploaded by

billy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Human Physiology/The endocrine system

Endocrine
Gland

Hormone Released

Chemical Class Target Tissue/Organ

Major Function of Hormone

Hypothalamus

Hypothalamic releasing and


inhibiting hormones

Peptide

Anterior pituitary

Regulate anterior pituitary hormone

Posterior
Pituitary

Antidiuretic (ADH)

Peptide

Kidneys

Stimulates water reabsorption by kidneys

Oxytocin

Peptide

Uterus, mammary
glands

Stimulates uterine muscle contractions and


release of milk by mammary glands

Thyroid stimulating (TSH)

Glycoprotein

Thyroid

Stimulates thyroid

Adrenocorticotropic (ACTH)

Peptide

Adrenal cortex

Stimulates adrenal cortex

Gonadotropic (FSH, LH)

Glycoprotein

Gonads

Egg and sperm production, sex hormone


production

Prolactin (PRL)

Protein

Mammary glands

Milk production

Growth (GH)

Protein

Soft tissue, bones

Cell division, protein synthesis and bone growth

Thyroxine (T4) and


Triiodothyronie (T3)

Iodinated amino All tissue


acid

Increase metabolic rate, regulates growth and


development

Calcitonin

Peptide

Bones, kidneys and


intestine

Lowers blood calcium level

Parathyroids

Parathyroid (PTH)

Peptide

Bones, kidneys and


intestine

Raises blood calcium level

Adrenal Cortex

Glucocorticoids (cortisol)

Steroid

All tissue

Raise blood gluclose level, stimulates breakdown


of protein

Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) Steroid

Kidneys

Reabsorb sodium and excrete potassium

Sex Hormones

Steroid

Gonads, skin, muscles


and bones

Stimulates reproductive organs and brings on sex


characteristics

Adrenal
Medulla

Epinephrine and norepinephrine

Modified amino
acid

Cardiac and other


muscles

Released in emergency situations, raises blood


glucose level, fight or flight response

Pancreas

Insulin

Protein

Liver, muscles,
adipose tissue

Lowers blood glucose levels, promotes formation


of glycogen

Glucagon

Protein

Liver, muscles,
adipose tissue

Raises blood glucose levels

Testes

Androgens (testosterone)

Steroid

Gonads, skin, muscles


and bone

Stimulates male sex characteristics

Ovaries

Estrogen and progesterone

Steroid

Gonads, skin, muscles


and bones

Stimulates female sex characteristics

Thymus

Thymosins

Peptide

T lymphocytes

Stimulates production and maturation of T


lymphocytes

Pineal Gland

Melatonin

Modified amino
acid

Brain

Controls circadian and circannual rhythms,


possibly involved in maturation of sexual organs

Anterior
Pituitary

Thyroid

Hormones can be chemically classified into four groups:


1. Amino acid-derived: Hormones that are modified amino acids.
2. Polypeptide and proteins: Hormones that are chains of amino acids of less than or more than about 100 amino
acids, respectively. Some protein hormones are actually glycoproteins, containing glucose or other carbohydrate
groups.

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