List the major endocrine glands found in human body. Write their functions.

Gland

Hormone

Function/Action

1. Hypothalamus

Releasing hormones

Regulation of the secretion of hormones from pituitary gland.

2. Pituitary (the master gland)

Growth hormone antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Regulates tissue and bone growth, controls the amount of water reabsorbed by the kidney.

ACTH

Stimulates adrenal cortex to make cortisone.

FSH

Stimulates the ovary to produce estrogen.

TSH

Stimulates thyroids to make thyroxine.

Prolactin

Regulation of function of mammary gland.

Vasopressin

Regulation of water and electrolyte balance.

Oxytocin

Regulation of the ejection of milk during lactation.

3. Thyroid

Thyroxine

Regulates the rate of growth and metabolism. Too little of this hormone causes over weight and sluggishness. Too much of it leads to thinness and overactivity.

4. Parathyroid

Calcitonin

Regulation of blood calcium and phosphate.

5. Adrenal (cortex)

Cortisone

Produced by the outside parts (cortex) of this gland. Aids conversion of proteins to sugar.

6. Adrenal (medulla)

Adrenaline (epinephrine) and Nor-adrenaline (norepinephrine)

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is released in case of anger, fear of depression (i.e., emotional stress). It increases heart beat. Noradrenaline causes reduction of cardiac output as well as heart rate.

(Cortex)

Corticoids

Corticoids regulate salt-water balance, carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism.

7 Pancreas

Insulin

Regulates sugar metabolism. Too little of insulin leads to high sugar level in the blood and weakness—a condition called diabetes.

Glucagon

Increase of blood sugars.

8. Ovary

Estrogen

Many functions and features such as development of breasts.

Progesterone

Maintenance of pregnancy.

9. Testis

Testosterone

Many masculine features such as the growth of mustaches and beard.