The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce hormones. The pituitary gland, called the "master gland," controls many of the other endocrine glands and produces several important hormones. Other major glands include the thyroid, which produces hormones that regulate metabolism, the adrenals, which produce hormones such as adrenaline, and the ovaries and testes, which produce sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Each endocrine gland releases different hormones that target various tissues and organs to regulate many essential body functions.

1. THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM Its Parts and Functions

10. The pituitary gland has two lobes: The Anterior and Posterior

11. Hormones Released by the Anterior Pituitary HORMONE TARGET TISSUES FUNCTION 1. Growth Hormone (GH) Most tissues Stimulates cell division & growth of the muscles and bones 2. Thyroid- Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Thyroid Gland Increases the secretion of Thyroxine 3. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Adernal Cortex Increases the secretion of the medulla 4. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Ovaries/Testis Promotes ovulation & progesterone production 5. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Follicles in ovary Seminiferous Tubules in Testis Promotes follicle maturation & estrogen secretion in ovary ; sperm cell production in testis 6. Prolactin Ovary & Mammary Gland in females, testis in males Stimulates milk production & prolongs progesterone secretion following ovulation & during pregnancy