Objective 14 - Endocrine glands: function and histology

     Describe the location, histology, hormones and functions of the thyroid gland, the parathyroid glands,the adrenal glands,the pancreas, the ovaries, the testes,the pineal gland and the thymus. 

This picture gave me a great overview of the different endocrine glands and helped me to classify which hormone was produced by that gland, how it affects the body. Simple pictures like this one help me to break down my learning by starting with a broad overview of the subject at hand.  Once I get the basics down pat it allows me to go into the fine details with a better understanding.

http://www.connecticutvalleybiological.com/endocrine-system-p-9247.html



Endocrine System Gland	Hormone Produced	Endocrine System Function
Pituitary gland	Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin)	Helps kidneys to retain water and in presence of aldosterone it helps control blood pressure.
	Corticotropin (ACTH)	Controls production and secretion of hormones of the adrenal glands.
	Human growth hormone	Controls growth and development and promotes protein production.
	Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone	Controls reproductive functions that includes the production of sperm and semen, egg maturation, and menstruation. It also controls male and female sexual characteristics that includes hair distribution, muscle formation, skin texture and thickness, voice, and may even control personality traits.
	Oxytocin	It causes muscles of the uterus and milk ducts in the breast to contract.
	Prolactin	It starts and maintains milk production in the mammary glands.
	Thyroid-stimulating hormone	It causes stimulation, production and secretion of hormones of the thyroid gland.
Parathyroid glands	Parathyroid hormone	It controls formation of bones and the excretion of calcium and phosphorus.
Thyroid gland	Thyroid hormone	It regulates metabolic rate of the body.
	Calcitonin	The function of calcitonin in humans is still unclear but in other species, it regulates calcium balance.
Adrenal glands	Aldosterone	It helps in regulation of salt and water balance by retention of salt and water and excretion of potassium. Read more on functions of adrenal gland.
	Cortisol	It has widespread effects in the whole body. It mainly has anti-inflammatory action, maintaining blood sugar level, blood pressure, and muscle strength. It also helps control salt and water balance.
	Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)	It affects the bones, mood, and the immune system
	Epinephrine and norepinephrine	Stimulates the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and nervous system.
Pancreas	Glucagon	It helps in raising the blood sugar level.
	Insulin	It helps in lowering the blood sugar level, affects the metabolism of sugar, protein, and fat throughout the body.
Kidneys	Erythropoietin	Stimulates red blood cell production.
	Renin	It controls blood pressure.
Ovaries	Estrogen	It controls the development of female sex characteristics and the reproductive system.
	Progesterone	Prepares the lining of the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg and readies the mammary glands to secrete milk.
Testes	Testosterone	It controls the development of sexual characteristics in men and the reproductive system.
Digestive tract	Cholecystokinin	It controls the gallbladder contractions that cause bile to enter the intestine and stimulates release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas.
	Glucagon-like peptide	it increases insulin release from the pancreas.
	Ghrelin	It controls the growth hormone release from the pituitary gland and causes sensation of hunger.
Adipose (fat) tissue	Resistin	It blocks the effects of insulin on muscle.
	Leptin	It controls appetite.
Placenta	Chorionic gonadotropin	Stimulates the ovaries to continue releasing progesterone during early pregnancy.
	Estrogen and progesterone	It helps keep the uterus receptive to the fetus and placenta during pregnancy.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/endocrine-glands-and-functions.html