During adolescence, sex hormones cause replacement of cartilage by bone, halting further bone growth even though GH is still present. Too little or two much GH can cause dwarfism or gigantism, respectively. Hypothalamus receptors monitor blood levels of thyroid hormones. TSH travels to the thyroid where it promotes production of thyroid hormones, which in turn regulate metabolic rates and body temperatures. Gonadotropins and prolactin are also secreted by the anterior pituitary.
Prolactin is secreted near the end of pregnancy and prepares the breasts for milk production. .
The posterior pituitary stores and releases hormones into the blood. ADH controls water balance in the body and blood pressure. Oxytocin is a small peptide hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth. Each kidney has an adrenal gland located above it. The adrenal gland is divided into an inner medulla and an outer cortex .