Hormone Review Table: Videos & Practice Problems

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands that produce hormones, which are crucial for regulating various bodily functions. Understanding the major glands, the hormones they produce, and their functions is essential for grasping how the body maintains homeostasis.

Starting with the anterior pituitary gland, located just below the hypothalamus, it produces several key hormones represented by the acronym FLAT PEG. Each letter corresponds to a specific hormone: Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), which influences sex hormone release and is involved in sperm and egg development; Luteinizing Hormone (LH), which also stimulates sex hormone release; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), which prompts hormone release from the adrenal cortex; Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which stimulates thyroid hormone secretion; Prolactin (PRL), which promotes milk production; and Growth Hormone (GH), which increases cell division, particularly in bones and cartilage.

The posterior pituitary gland acts as an extension of the hypothalamus and releases two main hormones: Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), which decreases urine production and increases blood water levels, and Oxytocin, which initiates uterine contractions during labor and stimulates milk release during nursing.

Next, the pineal gland produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, often associated with circadian rhythms.

Moving to the thyroid and parathyroid glands, the thyroid gland produces Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3), both of which are vital metabolic hormones. The thyroid also produces Calcitonin, which helps lower blood calcium levels by promoting calcium storage in bones. In contrast, the parathyroid hormone increases blood calcium levels by releasing calcium from bones.

The pancreas plays a critical role in glucose regulation through the hormones Insulin and Glucagon. Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating the conversion of glucose to glycogen for storage, while glucagon raises blood glucose levels by promoting the conversion of glycogen back to glucose.

The adrenal glands, located atop the kidneys, are involved in the body's stress response. They produce Epinephrine (adrenaline) and Norepinephrine, which are crucial for the fight-or-flight response. Additionally, they secrete Cortisol, a glucocorticoid that helps manage longer-term stress responses by altering metabolic activity.

Finally, the gonads (ovaries and testes) produce sex hormones. Ovaries primarily produce Estrogen and Progesterone, while testes produce Testosterone. These hormones are essential for sexual development and reproductive functions, influencing characteristics in both males and females.

By familiarizing yourself with these glands and their hormones, you will have a solid foundation for understanding the endocrine system's role in maintaining bodily functions and responding to internal and external changes.

Understanding the relationship between hormones and the glands that produce them is crucial in the study of human physiology. Each gland is responsible for secreting specific hormones that play vital roles in various bodily functions. Here’s a concise overview of key hormones and their corresponding glands, along with helpful memory tools to aid retention.

Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is essential for regulating blood glucose levels. It works alongside glucagon to maintain glucose homeostasis, with insulin specifically lowering blood glucose by promoting the conversion of glucose to glycogen.

Oxytocin is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland. This hormone is significant for stimulating labor contractions during childbirth and facilitating milk ejection during breastfeeding. A mnemonic to remember this is associating oxytocin with its powerful effects on labor and lactation.

The pineal gland produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin is often marketed as a sleep aid, highlighting its role in promoting restful sleep.

Calcitonin is secreted by the thyroid gland and plays a role in calcium metabolism by lowering blood calcium levels. While its physiological relevance in humans is debated, it is important to recognize its production by the thyroid, alongside the metabolic hormones T3 and T4.

The anterior pituitary is responsible for producing growth hormone, which is crucial for growth and development. This hormone is part of a broader group of hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary, often remembered with the mnemonic "flat peg."

Progesterone, primarily associated with the gonads (ovaries in females and testes in males), is a key sex hormone involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It is also produced in smaller amounts by the adrenal cortex, which is important to note for a comprehensive understanding of hormone production.

Finally, the parathyroid hormone is produced by the parathyroid glands and is vital for increasing blood calcium levels by promoting the release of calcium from bones. This hormone's function is straightforward, as its name directly reflects its source.

By familiarizing yourself with these hormones and their respective glands, along with the associated memory tools, you can enhance your understanding of endocrine functions and their implications in human health.