Endocrine System - MedG

 

• Pituitary Gland (Hypophysis) – the “Master Gland”

  • Anterior (Adenohypophysis):

    • Growth Hormone (GH): growth and metabolism regulation

    • Prolactin: lactation

    • Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): stimulates thyroid hormone release

    • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): stimulates gamete production

    • Luteinizing Hormone (LH): promotes androgen production

    • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): stimulates adrenal cortex hormone release

  • Posterior (Neurohypophysis):

    • Oxytocin: stimulates uterine contractions during birth

    • Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): promotes water retention

• Pineal Gland:

  • Melatonin – regulates sleep and biological cycles.

• Thyroid Gland:

  • T₃ & T₄ (Thyroxine): increase metabolic rate.

  • Calcitonin: lowers blood calcium levels.

• Parathyroid Gland:

  • Parathyroid Hormone (PTH): raises blood calcium levels.

• Thymus:

  • Thymosin: promotes T-cell production and immune development.

• Adrenal Glands:

  • Cortex:

    • Aldosterone: increases sodium levels in blood.

    • Cortisol: raises blood glucose.

  • Medulla:

    • Epinephrine & Norepinephrine: “fight-or-flight” response.

• Pancreas:

  • Insulin (β-cells): lowers blood glucose.

  • Glucagon (α-cells): raises blood glucose.

• Gonads:

  • Male (Testes): Testosterone – secondary male sex traits, sperm maturation.

  • Female (Ovaries):

    • Progesterone: prepares for childbirth.

    • Estrogen: develops female secondary sex traits.