Summary Table of Endocrine Glands
Summary Table of Endocrine Glands
| Endocrine Gland | Location/ Description | Hormone(s) Gland Produce(s) | Hormone Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypothalamus | Lower middle of the brain; communicates with both nervous and endocrine systems | ||
| Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) | Stimulates growth hormone production by the pituitary | ||
| Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) | Stimulates TSH production in the pituitary | ||
| Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) | Stimulates ACTH production by the pituitary | ||
| Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) | Stimulates LH and FSH production by the pituitary | ||
| Prolactin inhibitory hormone (PIH, dopamine) | Inhibits prolactin production | ||
| Oxytocin; produced by the hypothalamus; stored and secreted by the pituitary | Uterine contraction during labor | ||
| Arginine vasopressin (AVP), also called antidiurectic hormone (ADH); produced by the hypothalamus; stored and secreted by the pituitary | Water balance | ||
| Pituitary | Below hypothalamus, behind sinus cavity | Prolactin | Milk production (milk production not related to pregnancy is called galactorrhea and is usually due to high prolactin) |
| Growth hormone (GH) | Stimulates childhood growth, cell production, helps maintain muscle and bone mass in adults | ||
| ACTH | Stimulates cortisol production by the adrenal glands | ||
| TSH | Stimulates thyroid hormone production | ||
| LH, FSH | Regulation of testosterone and estrogen, fertility | ||
| Thyroid | Butterfly-shaped; lies flat against windpipe in the throat | T4 (thyroxine) T3 (triiodothyronine) |
Help regulate the rate of metabolism |
| Calcitonin | Helps regulate bone status, blood calcium | ||
| Parathyroid | 4 tiny glands located behind, next to, or below the thyroid | Parathyroid hormone (PTH) | Regulates blood calcium |
| Adrenal | 2 triangular organs, on top of each kidney | Epinephrine (adrenaline) Norepinephrine (Catecholamines) |
Blood pressure regulation, stress reaction, heart rate |
| Aldosterone | Salt, water balance | ||
| Cortisol | Stress reaction | ||
| DHEA-S | Body hair development at puberty | ||
| Ovaries (females only) | 2, located in the pelvis | Estrogen Progesterone |
Female sexual characteristics |
| Testicles (males only) | 2, located in the groin | Testosterone | Male sexual characteristics |
| Pancreas | Large, gourd-shaped gland, located behind the stomach | Insulin Glucagon Somatostatin |
Glucose regulation |
| Pineal | Lower side of the brain | Melatonin | Not well understood; Helps control sleep patterns, affects reproduction |
