Endocrine System

Testosterone

Male hormone secreted by the testes.

Insulin

Secreted by beta islet cells (Latin insula means island) of the pancreas. Insulin helps glucose (sugar) to pass into cells, and it promotes the conversion of glucose to glycogen.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH); thyrotropin

Secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis). TSH acts on the thyroid gland to promote its functioning. Note:TSH is not secreted by the thyroid gland.

Prolactin(PRL)

Secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis); growth hormone.

Growth hormone (GH); somatotrophin

Secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis); stimulates growth of the bones and soft tissues.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis); stimulates ovulation in females and testosterone secretion in males.

Progesterone

Secreted by the ovaries; prepares the uterus for pregnancy.

Parathormone (PTH)

Secreted by the parathyroid glands; increases blood calcium.

Oxytocin (OT)

Secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland (neurohypophysis); stimulates contraction of the uterus during labor and childbirth.

Thyroxine (T4)

Secreted by the thyroid gland; also called tetraiodothyronine.T4 increases metabolism in cells.