Body - Function Controls

Hormones produced in the brain control most of the body's daily functions. Deep in the brain, the hypothalamus gland  produces antidiuretic hormone (

ADH), which controls the concentration of urine, and oxytocin, which stimulates labor and milk  release in female cats.

The pituitary, the "master gland" at the base of the brain produces a number of hormones.

Growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and its opposite, growth-hormone-inhibiting hormone  (GHIH), regulate the production of growth hormone (GH) in the cat's brain.

GH production  continues after kittenhood, although its role in adult cats is not clear.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) initiates activity in the thyroid, which controls metabolic rate.

 Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal gland to produce cortisol in response to stress or danger.

 Production of sexual hormones, eggs, and sperm is controlled by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in females and luteinizing hormone (LH) in males.

 One of the more recently isolated hormonal controls is melanin. The pituitary produces melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), stimulating melanin synthesis in the pinealgland.

Melanin is involved in triggering sleep cycles and controls the body's internal clock, maintaining the day-and-night pattern known as circadian rhythm.