The primary function of the endocrine glands in the body is to secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. This ensures that the endocrine system can maintain and control important activities throughout the body.
HORMONES OF PITUITARY GLAND
SECRETION FUNCTIONS
ANTIDIURETIC HORMONE OR VASOPRESSIN
Can help to keep blood pressure under control along with aldosterone and enables the kidneys to retain water. Vasopressin helps to control vascular contractions.
CORTICOTROPIN OR ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC
Stimulates the adrenal gland into controlling hormone production and secretion.
HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE OR SOMATROPIN
Controls overall growth and development of human body cells and stimulates the production of protein.
LUTEINISING HORMONE AND FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE
In females, stimulates secretion of oestrogen and progesterone, ovulation, corpus luteum development. In males, stimulates production of testosterone in testes. It controls specific male and female characteristics like muscles, skin, hair, voice and even personality.
OXYTOCIN
Stimulates milk production by the mammary glands and muscles of the uterus to contract.
PROLACTIN
Stimulates milk production of the mammary glands.
THYROID-STIMULATING HORMONE OR THYROTROPIN
Stimulates production and secretion of hormones by the thyroid gland.
HORMONES OF PARATHYROID GLANDS
PARATHYROID HORMONE
Controls bone formation and the excretion of calcium and phosphorus.
HORMONES OF THYROID GLAND
THYROID HORMONE
Regulates the metabolic rate of the body.
CALCITONIN
Helps to regulate calcium.
HORMONES OF ADRENAL GLANDS
ALDOSTERONE (MINERAL CORTICOIDS)
Helps to maintain salt and water balance. Creates the balance by retaining salt and water and excreting potassium.
CORTISOL (GLOCOCORTICOIDS)
Enables anti-inflammatory activity and helps to maintain blood pressure, blood sugar level and muscle strength. Also helps to maintain salt and water balance.
ANDROGENS (DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE)
Influences puberty in both sexes.
EPINEPHRINE AND NOREPINEPHRINE
Stimulates the lungs, blood vessels, heart and the nervous system.
HORMONES OF PANCREAS
GLUCAGON
Helps to raise blood sugar levels.
INSULIN
Helps to lower blood sugar levels and influences the metabolism of fat, sugar and protein in the body.
HORMONES OF KIDNEYS
ERYTHROPOIETIN
Stimulates red blood cell production.
CALCITRIOL
Helps absorption of dietary calcium and phosphorus.
HORMONES OF OVARIES
OESTROGEN
Controls the development of female sex characteristics and the reproductive system.
PROGESTERONE
The line of the all of the uterus is made ready for a fertilised egg to implant itself and the mammary glands get ready to for milk production
RELAXIN
Enables greater flexibility of pelvic region during pregnancy and dilates the cervix.
INHIBIN
Inhibits secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone.
HORMONES OF TESTES
TESTOSTERONE
Stimulates the sexual characteristics and the reproductive system of the male.
HORMONES OF ADIPOSE (FAT) TISSUE
LEPTIN
Enables appetite control.
HORMONES OF PLACENTA
CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN
Ovaries are stimulated to release progesterone during early pregnancy and to continue the process.
OESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE
Maintains the uterus for readiness for the foetus and placenta during pregnancy.