Hormones are chemicals secreted by glands in the body. They regulate the functions of many cells and organs. Different hormones affect different target organs. The bloodstream transports hormones from the glands to the target organs. |
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| Gland | Hormone | Target organs | Effect |
| 1. adrenal gland | adrenalin | vital organs, eg liver and heart | Prepares body for “fight or flight” response. |
| 2. ovary | oestrogen | ovaries, uterus, pituitary gland | Controls puberty and the menstrual cycle
in females; stimulates production of LH and suppresses the production
of FSH in the pituitary gland. |
| progesterone | uterus | Maintains the lining of the womb; suppresses FSH production in the pituitary gland. |
|
| 3. pancreas | insulin | liver | Controls blood sugar levels. |
| 4. pituitary gland | ADH (anti-diuretic hormone) |
kidney | Controls blood water level by triggering uptake of water in kidneys. |
| FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) | ovaries | Triggers egg ripening and oestrogen production in ovaries. | |
| LH (luteinising hormone) | ovaries | Triggers egg release and progesterone production in ovaries. | |
| 5. testis | testosterone | male reproductive organs | Controls puberty in males. |
[ This page has been adapted from www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science ]