SLP Hormones

Hormone Producers

  Hormones are complex chemical substances produced by specialised glands, called endocrine glands, or by cells in some body organs, for example, the heart or a part of the gastrointestinal tract.

  Secreted into internal body fluids, many hormones target specific tissues, controlling their function and, in some organs, stimulating the production of further hormones.

  A special class of hormones, the prostaglandins, produce only local effects at their site of production.

Hypothalamus

  Most hormones from this cluster of nerve cells at the base of the brain stimulate other glands to produce their own hormones.

Pineal Gland

  This tiny gland secretes melatonin, a hormone that may influence sexual development.

Pituitary Gland

  Called the 'master gland', this organ controls many other endocrine glands.

Thyroid Gland

  This gland controls metabolism, including the maintenance of body weight, the rate of energy use, and heart rate. Unlike most other glands, it can store the hormones it produces.

Parathyroid Gland

  The four parathyroid glands at the back of the thyroid gland produce a hormone that regulates blood-calcium levels.

Heart

  The heart produces a hormone called atriopeptin which reduces blood volume and blood pressure.

Adrenal gland

  The adrenal gland on each kidney produces several hormones that influence the body's metablism and response to stress.

Kidney

  Erythropoietin secreted by the kidneys stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

Pancreas

  The pancreas secretes hormones that control the glucose level in the blood.

Stomach

  Hormones secreted by the stomach lining stimulate the production of enzymes that aid digestion.

Intestines

  Endocrine cells in intestinal tissues secrete hormones that play a role in digestion.

Ovary

  The two ovaries produce the female sex hormones progesterone and oestrogen.

Testis

  The male sex hormone testosterone, which controls sperm production, is released in the testes.