1201CHAPTER 48 Endocrine System

TABLE 48-1 MAJOR ENDOCRINE GLANDS AND HORMONES

HORMONES TARGET TISSUE FUNCTIONSAnterior Pituitary (Adenohypophysis)Growth hormone (GH) or

somatotropinAll body cells Promotes protein anabolism (growth, tissue repair) and lipid mobilization

and catabolismThyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

or thyrotropinThyroid gland Stimulates synthesis and release of thyroid hormones, growth and function

of thyroid glandAdrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) Adrenal cortex Fosters growth of adrenal cortex; stimulates secretion of corticosteroidsGonadotropic hormones Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Reproductive organs Stimulate sex hormone secretion, reproductive organ growth, reproductive processes

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)

Melanocytes in skin Increases melanin production in melanocytes to make skin darker in color

Prolactin Ovary and mammary glands in females

Stimulates milk production in lactating women; increases response of follicles to LH and FSH; has unclear function in men

Posterior Pituitary (Neurohypophysis)Oxytocin Uterus; mammary glands Stimulates milk secretion, uterine contractilityAntidiuretic hormone (ADH)

or vasopressinRenal tubules, vascular

smooth musclePromotes reabsorption of water, vasoconstriction

ThyroidThyroxine (T4) All body tissues Precursor to T3Triiodothyronine (T3) All body tissues Regulates metabolic rate of all cells and processes of cell growth and tissue

differentiationCalcitonin Bone tissue Regulates calcium and phosphorus blood levels; decreases serum Ca2+

levels

ParathyroidsParathyroid hormone (PTH) or

parathormoneBone, intestine, kidneys Regulates calcium and phosphorus blood levels; promotes bone

demineralization and increases intestinal absorption of Ca2+; increases serum Ca2+ levels

Adrenal MedullaEpinephrine (adrenaline) Sympathetic effectors Response to stress; enhances and prolongs effects of sympathetic nervous

systemNorepinephrine (noradrenaline) Sympathetic effectors Response to stress; enhances and prolongs effects of sympathetic nervous

system

Adrenal CortexCorticosteroids (e.g., cortisol,

hydrocortisone)All body tissues Promotes metabolism, response to stress; antiinflammatory

Androgens (e.g., testosterone, androsterone) and estrogen

Reproductive organs Promotes masculinization in men, growth and sexual activity in women

Mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone) Kidney Regulates sodium and potassium balance and thus water balance

Pancreas (Islets of Langerhans)Insulin (from beta cells) General Promotes movement of glucose out of blood and into cellsAmylin (from beta cells) Liver, stomach Gastric motility, glucagon secretion, endogenous glucose release from

liver, satietyGlucagon (from alpha cells) General Stimulates glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesisSomatostatin Pancreas Inhibits insulin and glucagon secretionPancreatic polypeptide General Influences regulation of pancreatic exocrine function and metabolism of

absorbed nutrients

GonadsWomen: OvariesEstrogen Reproductive system,

breastsStimulates development of secondary sex characteristics, preparation of

uterus for fertilization and fetal development; stimulates bone growthProgesterone Reproductive system Maintains lining of uterus necessary for successful pregnancy

Men: TestesTestosterone Reproductive system Stimulates development of secondary sex characteristics, spermatogenesis