ExamKrackers Biology

Lecture 5: The Endocrine System

Hormone Summary

Location Hormone Action Type Stimulus

Anterior Pituitary Prolactin Promotes milk production Protein Suckling increases prolactin
production.
Human Growth Stimulates growth in almost all cells Protein Growth Hormone Releasing
Hormone (bone lengthening, growth of soft Hormone from hypothalamus
tissue). Increases protein synthesis,
mobilization of fat stores, and
decreases the use of glucose.
Follicle Stimulating Growth of follicle in female; sperm Protein GnRH from hypothalamus
Hormone production in men.
Luteinizing Causes ovulation; stimulates estrogen Protein GnRH from hypothalamus;
Hormone and testosterone secretion Estrogen causes the luteal
surge that causes ovulation in
females.
Adenocorticotropic Stimulates the release of cortisol from Protein Corticotropic Releasing
Hormone the adrenal cortex Hormone from hypothalamus.
Thyroid Stimulating Stimulates the release of T3 and T4 from Protein Thyroid Releasing Hormone
Hormone the Thyroid from the hypothalamus.
Posterior Pituitary Oxytocin Promotes milk ejection and uterine Protein Neural
contractions
Antidiuretic Increases water reabsorption from the Protein Neural/High blood osmolarity
Hormone kidney. This increases blood pressure,
but decreases plasma osmolarity.
Adrenal Cortex Cortisol Increases blood levels of Steroid ACTH from the Anterior
carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Pituitary
Aldosterone Raises blood pressure by increases Steroid Low blood volume via the
reabsorption of sodium (via the angiotensin-renin system.
Na+/K+ ATPase) and calcium in the
kidney.
Adrenal Medulla Catecholamines Fight or flight responses, including Tyrosine Sympathetic Stimulation
 (Epinephrine and vasoconstriction, dilation of pupils, the Derivative
Norepinephrine) sympathetic responses. (Hydrophilic)
Thyroid T3 and T4 Increases metabolism (increase Na/K Tyrosine TSH from the anterior
pumps, creates heat, vasodilates, Derivative pituitary
increases heart rates.) They are often (Hydrophobic)
necessary for the growth and function
of many tissues.
Calcitonin Decreases blood calcium levels by Protein Elevated plasma calcium
increasing osteoblast activity in the levels
skeleton.
Pancreas Insulin Stores away glucose, which decreases Protein Elevated plasma glucose
plasma glucose. levels, and anticipation of such
levels
Glucagon Increases mobilization of glucose Protein Low plasma glucose levels
stores
Parathyroid Parathyroid Increases plasma calcium levels Protein Low plasma calcium levels
Hormone
Ovaries Estrogen Growth of mother sex organs; LH Steroid Luteinizing hormones
surge stimulate theca cells to
produce estrogens
Progesterone Prepares and maintains uterus for Steroid The corpus luteum secretes
pregnancy. progesterone.
Testes Testosterone Secondary sex characteristics; Steroid Luteinizing hormone
hardening of epiphyseal plates stimulates leydig cells to
produce testosterone.