The human Endocrine Glands, their Functions and the Hormones Secreted

Endocrine gland Hormone released Target tissues /

organs
Principal functions



Anterior
pituitary gland
1.


Thyroid gland Stimulates the thyroid gland to release thyroxine
2. Gonads ~ Stimulates the development of the follicles in the
ovaries in females
~ stimulates spermatogenesis in males
3. Gonads ~ stimulates ovulation, development of corpus luteum
and secretion of oestrogen and progesterone in females.
~ stimulates the secretion of testosterone in males
Adrenocorticotrophic
hormone (ACTH)
4. ~ stimulates the adrenal cortex to release hormones
5. Soft tissues,
bones
~ stimulates growth, protein synthesis and fat
metabolism
Prolactin (PRL) 6. ~ stimulates milk synthesis and secretion from the
mammary glands

Posterior
pituitary gland
7.


Kidney ~ stimulates water reabsorption by the renal tubules in
the kidneys
8. Uterus and
mammary
glands
~ stimulates the contractions of the uterine muscles
during childbirth, and the release of milk
Thyroid gland Thyroxine All tissues 10.




Adrenal cortex 11.


Kidney Increase the reabsorption of mineral salts in the kidney
Adrenal medulla Adrenaline and
noradrenaline
Cardiac and
other muscles
~ Increase the levels of sugar and fatty acids in the blood
~ Increase heart avtivity, and the rate and depth of
breathing
~ Increase the metabolic rate and constrict some blood
vessels.

Pancreas
12.


Liver, muscles
and the adipose
tissues
Decrease the blood glucose levels and promotes the
conversion of glucose to glycogen
13.


Increase the blood glucose levels and promotes the
conversion of glycogen to glucose



Ovaries
14.


Gonads Stimulates the development of female secondary sexual
characteristics and maturation of the ova
Progesterone Gonads ~


15.

Androgen Gonads Stimulates the development of male secondary sexual
characteristics and spermatogenesis