A pituitary hormone stimulating growth of bone and muscle and affecting metabolism.
Secreted in pulses, mostly during sleep; stimulates liver to make IGF-1. Deficiency causes dwarfism in children; excess causes gigantism or acromegaly. Recombinant GH is used therapeutically and misused in sport.
Secreted mainly at night. Acts directly and via IGF-1. Used medically for short stature due to deficiency.
Remember: excess in adults causes acromegaly with enlarged hands and face.
A pituitary hormone stimulating growth of bone and muscle and affecting metabolism.
Growth Hormone is one of the 54 topics in Reproduction & Endocrinology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis, Circadian Endocrinology, Pregnancy Hormones.
Robert Wadlow, the tallest man, had gigantism.
Work through the Beginner topics in Reproduction & Endocrinology first, such as Reproduction, Asexual Reproduction, Sexual Reproduction, then return to Growth Hormone. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to Growth Hormone are Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis, Circadian Endocrinology, Pregnancy Hormones, Endocrine Glands. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Growth Hormone. To practise the whole of Reproduction & Endocrinology, use the Reproduction & Endocrinology quiz.
Growth Hormone: A pituitary hormone stimulating growth of bone and muscle and affecting metabolism. Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis: The hypothalamus controls the anterior pituitary, which signals target glands through trophic hormones. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Reproduction & Endocrinology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
The hypothalamus controls the anterior pituitary, which signals target glands through trophic hormones.
🌸 Reproduction & EndocrinologyHormone levels follow daily cycles, with cortisol peaking in the morning and melatonin at night.
🌸 Reproduction & EndocrinologyhCG maintains the corpus luteum early on, then the placenta produces progesterone and oestrogen.
🌸 Reproduction & EndocrinologyPituitary, thyroid, adrenals, pancreas and gonads secrete hormones directly into the blood.
🌸 Reproduction & Endocrinology