The pituitary gland, located in the brain, secretes growth hormones.
Understanding Growth Hormones and the Pituitary Gland
Growth hormone, also known as somatotropin, is crucial for growth and development. It primarily impacts:
- Bone Length: Growth hormone stimulates the growth plates in long bones, leading to increased height.
- Muscle Growth: It promotes muscle protein synthesis and increases muscle mass.
- Overall Growth: It influences the growth and development of various tissues and organs throughout the body.
The pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain, is often called the "master gland" because it regulates many other glands and hormones. Its role in growth hormone production is vital for normal development, especially during childhood and adolescence. A deficiency in growth hormone can lead to stunted growth, while an excess can cause gigantism or acromegaly.
As stated in the reference: "Growth hormone is produced by our brain's pituitary gland and governs our height, bone length and muscle growth." This perfectly summarizes the key relationship between the pituitary gland and growth hormone.
