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 . The medulla synthesizes amine hormones, the cortex secretes steroid hormones.
Mineralocorticoids maintain electrolyte balance.
Image from W.H. Freeman and Sinauer Associates, used by permission. The thyroid gland is located in the neck. Follicles in the thyroid secrete thyroglobulin, a storage form of thyroid hormone. Almost all body cells are targets of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormone increases the overall metabolic rate, regulates growth and development as well as the onset of sexual maturity.