Endocrine Functions Flashcards
What hormones does the hypothalamus release?
- releasing hormones
- inhibiting hormones
What hormones does the anterior pituitary gland release?
- Growth hormone (GH)
- Prolactin
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
- Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
What hormones do the posterior pituitary gland release?
- Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
- Oxytocin
What hormone does the pineal gland release?
- Melatonin
What hormones do the thyroid release?
- Calcitonin
- T3 and T4
What hormone does the parathyroid release?
- Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
What hormone does the thymus release?
- thymosin
What hormones do the adrenal medulla release?
- adrenaline (epinephrine and norepinephrine)
What hormones do the adrenal cortex release?
- Aldosterone
- Cortisol
- Testosterone
What hormones does the pancreas release?
- Insulin
- Glucagon
What hormones do the ovaries release?
- Oestrogen
- Progesterone
What hormone does the testes release?
- Testosterone
Function of growth hormone (GH)
- stimulates the growth of bones, cartilage, soft tissue and skeletal muscle
Function of prolactin
- stimulates the breasts to develop
- stimulates production of milk
Function of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
- stimulated the thyroid gland to produce hormones
Function of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
- stimulates the adrenal cortex to release steroids when under stress
Function of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
- stimulates the development of ova and sperm
- stimulates spermatogenic cells to respond to testosterone (male)
Function of luteinizing hormone (LH) in men
- Promotes the development of the leydig cells of the testes which produce testosterone (increase testosterone production)
Function of luteinizing hormone (LH) in women
triggers release of egg in the ovary
- role in menstruation
Function of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
- stimulates water reabsorption by the kidney
Function of oxytocin
- stimulates uterine contractions during labour
- stimulates the release of milk while breastfeeding
Function of melatonin
- high levels induce sleep
- low levels increase alertness
Function of calcitonin
helps to regulate blood calcium levels by LOWERING levels
- stimulates osteoblastic activity in the bones, this causes the calcium to be taken from the blood into the bones to be used and stored
- increases the excretion of calcium and phosphate in urine
- inhibits the intestines from absorbing more calcium
Function of T3 and T4
regulate all phases of metabolism, including:
- increasing the release of energy from carbohydrates and fatty acids
- increasing protein synthesis
- determining the number of calories required to maintain the body at rest
Function of parathyroid hormone (PTH)
helps to regulate blood calcium levels by INCREASING levels
- increases the release of calcium from the bone tissue by stimulating osteoclastic activity
- stimulates the kidneys to reabsorb calcium from the urine and excrete phosphate
- activates vitamin D, with the assistance of vitamin D, it increases the absorption of dietary calcium from the intestines
Function of thymosin
- promotes the proliferation and maturation of lymphocytes in lymphatic tissue throughout the body.
Function of adrenaline (epinephrine and norepinephrine)
- stimulates fight/flight response
Function of aldosterone
- stimulate the kidney to reabsorb sodium and water and eliminate potassium
Function of cortisol
- stimulates activity of muscles and body to deal with stress, increases alertness
Function of testosterone
- Development of sperm & testes
- Increased hair growth on face, chest, axilla, pubic region
- Enlargement of vocal cords (deep voice)
- Increased musculoskeletal growth (height and male physique)
- Thickened skin and oil and sweat production (acne and body odour increase).
Function of insulin
- lowers the blood glucose levels by helping to transport glucose into most cells
Function of glucagon
increase the blood glucose levels by:
- stimulating the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver
- stimulating the conversion of proteins into glucose
Function of oestrogen
- promoting the maturation of eggs
- helps develop the female secondary sex characteristics
- Enlargement and development of reproductive organs
- Enlargement and development of breasts
- Deposits fat beneath the skin, especially thighs, buttocks and breasts
- Widens pelvis
- Onset of menstrual cycle
- Prevents excessive growth in height
Function of progesterone
- working with the oestrogen to establish the menstrual cycle
- help maintain pregnancy
- prepare the breasts for milk production after birth.
