Hormones
Name | Secreted by | Function |
| Insulin(alpha cells) | The pancreas | Release is stimulated by elevated glucose levelsDecreases blood sugar levels by converting glycogen or fat for storage. |
| Glucagon (beta cells) | stimulates increases in blood sugar levels in the bloodconverts fats to Glycogen (opposite of the action of insulin) | |
| Melatonin | Pineal gland | targets the brain to control circadian rhythms and circannual rhythmsmay be involved in maturation of sex organs |
| Somatostatin | Hypothalamus | Growth Inhibiting hormone |
| Dopamine(Prolactin-inhibiting hormone) | Inhibit prolactin released from anterior pituitary | |
| Calcitonin | The thyroid gland | Decreases the blood calcium levels by stimulating calcium deposit in the bones.(antagonist of the parathyroid hormone) |
| Thyroxin | regulates metabolism by controlling the rate of oxidation in cells | |
| Parathyroid hormone | The Parathyroid Gland | Stimulates Calcium ion release from bone, thereby increasing blood CalciumStimulates Calcium ion reabsorption in kidney
Stimulates activated vitamin D production in kidney
Stimulates Phosphate release from bones, thereby increasing blood Phosphate.
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| Oxytosin | The posterior pituitary gland | Promotion of uterine contractility and stimulation of Lactation. |
| Vasopressin(antidiuretic hormone) | Increases water permeability in the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct of nephrons, thus promoting water reabsorption and increasing blood volume | |
| Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) | The Anterior Pituitary Gland | In females: Stimulates maturation of ovarian follicles in ovaryIn males: Stimulates maturation of seminiferous tubules
In males: Stimulates spermatogenesis
In males: Stimulates production of androgen-binding protein from Sertoli cells of the testes
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| Growth hormone(somatotropin) | Stimulates growth and cell reproductionStimulates Insulin-like growth factor 1 release from liver | |
| Prolactin | Stimulates milk synthesis and release from mammary glandsMediates sexual gratification | |
| Thyrotropin (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. TSH) | Stimulates thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) synthesis and release from thyroid glandStimulates iodine absorption by thyroid gland. | |
| Glucocorticoids (chiefly cortisol) | Adrenal cortex (Adrenal Gland) | Stimulates gluconeogenesisStimulates fat breakdown in adipose tissue
Inhibits protein synthesis
Inhibits glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue
Inhibits immunological responses (immunosuppressive)
Inhibits inflammatory responses (anti-inflammatory)
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| Mineralocorticoids (chiefly aldosterone) | Stimulates active sodium reabsorption in kidneysStimulates passive water reabsorption in kidneys, thus increasing blood volume and blood pressure
Stimulates potassium and H+ secretion into nephron of kidney and subsequent excretion
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| Androgens (including DHEA and testosterone) | In males: Relatively small effect compared to androgens from testesIn females: masculinizing effects | |
| Adrenaline (epinephrine) | Adrenal medulla (Adrenal Gland) | Fight-or-flight response:Boost the supply of oxygen and glucose to the brain and muscles (by increasing heart rate and stroke volume, vasodilation, increasing catalysis of glycogen in liver, breakdown of lipids in fat cells)
Dilate the pupils
Suppress non-emergency bodily processes (e.g. digestion)
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| Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) | Fight-or-flight response:Boost the supply of oxygen and glucose to the brain and muscles (by increasing heart rate and stroke volume, vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure, breakdown of lipids in fat cells)
Increase skeletal muscle readiness.
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| Androgens (chiefly testosterone) (Gonadal hormones) | Testes | Growth of muscle mass and strength, increased bone density, growth and strength,Maturation of sex organs, formation of scrotum, deepening of voice, growth of beard and auxiliary hair. |
| Progesterone (Gonadal hormones) | Ovarian follicle and corpus luteum | Convert endometrium to secretory stageInhibit immune response, e.g., towards the human embryo
Decrease uterine smooth muscle contractility[6]
Inhibit lactation
Inhibit onset of labor.
Assist in thyroid function and bone growth by osteoblasts
Increase resilience in bone, teeth, gums, joint, tendon, ligament, and skin
Promote healing by regulating collagen.
Prevent endometrial cancer by regulating effects of estrogen
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| Estrogens | Promote formation of female secondary sex characteristicsAccelerate height growth
Accelerate metabolism (burn fat)
Reduce muscle mass
Stimulate endometrial growth
Increase uterine growth
Increase platelet adhesiveness
Increase HDL, triglyceride, height growth
Decrease LDL, fat deposition
Regulate salt (sodium) and water retention
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| Progesterone | Placenta | Inhibit immune response, towards the fetus.Decrease uterine smooth muscle contractility
Inhibit lactation
Inhibit onset of labor.
Support fetal production of adrenal mineralo- and glucosteroids.
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| Human chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) | Promote maintenance of corpus luteum during beginning of pregnancyInhibit immune response, towards the human embryo. |