Major Functions of Hormones

Human Physiology

Lesson 36 : General Endocrine System

Major Functions of Hormones

Hormones in general are essential for regulation of various physiological and metabolic functions. Some important functions are listed below:

S. No.

Hormone

Chemical nature

Gland

Functions

1.

Growth Hormone

Protein

Anterior Pituitary

Growth

2.

Prolactin

Protein

Anterior Pituitary

Milk synthesis

3.

FSH and LH

Glycoprotein

Anterior Pituitary

Development of reproductive organs

4.

TSH

Glycoprotein

Anterior Pituitary

Thyroid growth & stimulation

5.

ACTH

Peptide

Anterior Pituitary

Adrenal cortex growth & stimulation


Vasopressin

Peptide

Post pituitary

Water Homeostasis


Oxytocin

Peptide

Post pituitary

Milk ejection and parturition


Melatonin

Amino acid derivative

Pineal

Sleep, day-night cycle activities

6.

Thyroxine

Amino acid derivative

Thyroid

Energy production and thermoregulation

7.

Parathyroid hormone
Thyro- calcitonin

Protein

Parathyroid
Thyroid

Blood calcium concentration

8.

Insulin
Glucagon

Protein

Pancreas

Blood glucose concentration

9.

Glucocorticoids
(Cortisol)

Steroid

Adrenal cortex

Glucose, protein & fat metabolism

10.

Aldosterone

Steroid

Adrenal cortex

Electrolyte Homeostasis

13.

Estrogen and Progesterone

Steroid

Ovary

Female reproduction process

14.

Testosterone

Steroid

Testis

Male reproduction process

15.

Estrogen and Progesterone

Steroid

Ovary and Placenta

Maintenance of Pregnancy

16.

Relaxin, Oxytocin

Peptide

Placenta & Ovary

Parturition

18.

Adrenalin and nor-adrenalin

Amino acid derivative

Adrenal medulla

Increase blood pressure, cardiac pumping of blood, glucose synthesis

19.

Renin

Peptide

Kidneys

Increase blood pressure

Index
Previous
Home
Next
Last modified: Tuesday, 10 April 2012, 12:53 PM