Definition of Human Growth Hormones

The endocrine system regulates the metabolic functions of the body and the varying rates of chemical reactions within the cell. Endocrine glands secrete their hormones directly into the bloodstream, and the hormone enters the general circulation to reach all cells of the body. The human growth hormone is secreted by the pituitary endocrine gland influenced by hypothalamic releasing factors.

What is Human Growth Hormone?

• Growth hormone is also known as somatotropic hormone (STH). "Soma" means cell and "tropic hormones" means increase in activity; hence, a hormone for cell build up or cell growth.

Synthesis

• The human growth hormone is secreted by the acidophils in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It is induced by special neurons of the hypothalamus called growth hormone releasing factor (GRF).

Significance

• Studying the human growth hormone mechanism is important because it is essential for growth and development, and it promotes both increased mitosis and increased sizes of cells.

Function

• The human growth hormone increases the growth of tissues--especially of bone, muscle and viscera. It acts directly on all tissues.

Metabolic Process

• Human growth hormone increases the rate of protein synthesis in tissue. It decreases the rate of carbohydrate utilization in striated muscle and adipose tissue, and it increases mobilization of stored fat. The human growth hormone also increases the use of fat for energy.