The table below lists the major endocrine glands and their hormones. Additionally, the table also shows where the major hormone glands are located in the body, the chemical class of the hormone and the main functions of the hormone.
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Endocrine Gland
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Location of Endocrine Gland | Hormone Produced | Chemical Class of Hormone | Main Functions of Hormone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypothalamus | Brain | Growth hormone-releasing hormone | Peptide | Stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone |
| Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone | Peptide | Stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone (both gonatrophins) | ||
| Thyrotropin-releasing hormone | Peptide | Stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone | ||
| Corticotrophin-releasing hormone | Peptide | Stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone from the pituitary gland | ||
| Somatostatin | Peptide | Inhibits secretion of growth hormone | ||
| Antidiuretic hormone (produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland) |
Peptide | Stimulates kidney tubules to reabsorb water | ||
| Oxytocin (produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland) |
Peptide | Stimulates uterine contractions Promotes the movement of milk through the mammary ducts |
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| Pituitary gland | Attached to the base of the brain | Adrenocorticotropic hormone | Peptide | Stimulates adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol |
| Growth hormone | Protein | Promotes growth of body tissues Regulates metabolism |
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| Luteinising hormone | Glycoprotein | Stimulates testosterone secretion Stimulates ovulation |
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| Follicle-stimulating hormone | Glycoprotein | Stimulates sperm production Stimulates production of oestradiol Stimulates the maturation of ovarian follicles |
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| Prolactin | Peptide | Promotes milk production | ||
| Thyroid-stimulating hormone | Glycoprotein | Stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine and triiodothyronine which are responsible for regulating metabolism | ||
| Antidiuretic hormone (produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland) |
Peptide | Stimulates kidney tubules to reabsorb water | ||
| Oxytocin (produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland) |
Peptide | Stimulates uterine contractions Promotes the movement of milk through the mammary ducts |
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| Pineal gland | Brain | Melatonin | Amine | Regulates sleep/wake cycle |
| Thyroid gland | Neck | Thyroxine | Amine | Regulates metabolic processes |
| Triiodothyronine | Amine | |||
| Calcitonin | Peptide | Lowers blood calcium levels | ||
| Parathyroid glands | Neck | Parathyroid hormone | Peptide | Increases blood calcium levels |
| Thymus (undergoes atrophy during adulthood) | Mediastinum | Thymosin | Peptide | Stimulates T cell development |
| Adrenal cortex | Abdominal cavity | Aldosterone | Steroid | Promotes sodium reabsorption into the blood and potassium excretion in kidneys |
| Cortisol | Steroid | Increases blood glucose Anti-inflammatory effects |
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| Adrenal medulla | Abdominal cavity | Adrenaline (epinephrine) | Amine | Fight or flight response |
| Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) | Amine | |||
| Pancreas | Abdominal cavity | Insulin | Protein | Decreases blood glucose levels |
| Glucagon | Protein | Increases blood glucose levels | ||
| Ovaries | Pelvic cavity | Oestrogen | Steroid | Promotes development and maintenance of female sex characteristics |
| Progesterone | Steroid | Maintains uterine lining | ||
| Testes | Scrotum | Testosterone | Steroid | Growth and maintenance of male sex characteristics |
