GLAND HORMONE TARGET TISSUES RESPONSE
PITUITARY Growth Hormone Most tissues Increases gene expression, breakdown of
GLAND: lipids, and release of fatty acids from
ANTERIOR cells; increases blood glucose levels
Thyroid-stimulating Thyroid gland Increases thyroid hormone secretion
hormone (TSH) (thyroxine and triiodothyronine)
Adrenocorticotropic Adrenal Cortex Increases secretion of glucocorticoid
hormone (ACTH) hormones, such as cortisol; increases
skin pigmentation at high concentrations
Melanocyte-stimulating Melanocytes in skin Increases melanin production in
hormone (MSH) melanocytes to make skin darker in color
Luteinizing hormone (LH) Ovary in females, Promotes ovulation and progesterone
or interstitial cell– testis in males production in ovary; promotes
stimulating hormone (ICSH) testosterone synthesis and support for
sperm cell production in testis
Follicle-stimulating Follicles in ovary in Promotes follicle maturation and
hormone (FSH) females, seminiferous estrogen secretion in ovary; promotes
tubules in males sperm cell production in testis
Prolactin Ovary and mammary Stimulates milk production and prolongs
gland in females, testis progesterone secretion following
in males ovulation and during pregnancy in
women; increases sensitivity to LH in
males
PITUITARY Antidiuretic hormone Kidney Conserves water; constricts blood
GLAND: (ADH) vessels
POSTERIOR
Oxytocin Uterus Increases uterine contractions
Mammary Gland Increases milk letdown from mammary
glands
THYROID Thyroid hormones Most cells of the body Increase metabolic rates, essential for
GLAND (thyroxine, triiodothyronine) normal process of growth and
maturation
Calcitonin Primarily bone Decreases rate of bone breakdown;
prevents large increase in blood Ca2+
levels following a meal
PARATHYROID Parathyroid hormone Bone, kidney Increases rate of bone breakdown by
GLAND osteoclasts; increases vitamin D
synthesis, essential for maintenance of
normal blood calcium levels
ADRENAL Epinephrine mostly, some Heart, blood vessels, Increases cardiac output; increases blood
MEDULLA norepinephrine liver,adipocytes flow to skeletal muscles and heart;
increases release of glucose and fatty
acids into blood; in general, prepares
body for physical activity
ADRENAL Mineralocorticoids Kidneys; to lesser Increase rate of sodium transport into
CORTEX (aldosterone) degree, intestine and body; increase rate of potassium
sweat glands excretion; secondarily favor water
retention
Glucocorticoids (cortisol) Most tissues (e.g., Increase lipid and protein breakdown;
liver, fat, skeletal increase glucose synthesis from amino
muscle, immune acids; increase blood nutrient levels;
tissues) inhibit inflammation and immune
response
Adrenal androgens Most tissues Insignificant in males; increase female
sexual drive, growth of pubic and
axillary hair
PANCREAS Insulin Especially liver, Increases uptake and use of glucose and
skeletal muscle, amino acids
adipose tissue
Glucagon Primarily liver Increases breakdown of glycogen and
release of glucose into the circulatory
system
TESTES Testosterone Most tissues Aids in sperm cell production,
maintenance of functional reproductive
organs, secondary sex characteristics,
sexual behavior
OVARIES Estrogens, progesterone Most tissues Aid in uterine and mammary gland
development and function, external
genitalia structure, secondary sex
characteristics, sexual behavior,
menstrual cycle
UTERUS, Prostaglandins Most tissues Mediate inflammatory responses;
OVARIES, increase uterine contractions and
INFLAMED ovulation
TISSUES
THYMUS Thymosin Immune tissues Promotes immune system development
and function
PINEAL GLAND Melatonin Among others, Inhibits secretion of gonadotropin-
hypothalamus releasing hormone, thereby inhibiting
reproduction
