• small, oval gland, size of a grape, inferior to hypothalamus
• has both posterior and anterior lobes

• ADH: antidiuretic hormone which decreases water loss in kidneys and elevates blood pressure
• Oxytocin: stimulates contractions of smooth muscle cells in the uterus and contractile cells surrounding mammary glands and contractions of the prostate gland

1. thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): targets thyroid and triggers release of thyroid hormones
2. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): stimulates the release of hormones by adrenal gland specifically glucocorticoids (GC)
3. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH): promotes the development of oocytes, secretion of estrogen, sperm production
4. Luteinizing hormone (LH): induces ovulation in women and secretion of progestins that prepare the body for pregnancy and production of testosterone
5. Growth hormone (GH): stimulates cell growth by accelerating the rate of protein synthesis; strong effect on skeletal and muscular development
6. Prolactin (PRL): stimulates production of milk in mammary glands
7. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH): stimulates the melanocytes of the skin; secreted only during fetal development, pregnant women, and in some disease states

• corticotrophin (CRH)
• adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
• glucocorticoid hormone- cortisol (CORT)

• 90%  of all thyroid secretions
• forms in thyroid
• stored outside cells
• increases BMR: cellular metabolism & oxygen consumption

Parathyroid Hormone

(Parathormone)

PTH

stimulates osteoclasts (BREAKDOWN), reduces urinary excretion of calcium ions, and stimulates production of calcitrol, a hormone that promotes absorbtion of calcium; Agonist of calcitonin

1. a superficial adrenal cortex
2. an inner adrenal medulla

1. Zona Glomerulosa
2. Zona Fasciculata
3. Zona Reticularis