2006-07-23 06:38:53 · 9 answers · asked by Satin 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Growth hormone, also known as somatotropin, is a protein hormone of about 190 amino acids that is synthesized and secreted by cells called somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary. It is a major participant in control of several complex physiologic processes, including growth and metabolism. Growth hormone is also of considerable interest as a drug used in both humans and animals.
Physiologic Effects of Growth Hormone
A critical concept in understanding growth hormone activity is that it has two distinct types of effects:
Direct effects are the result of growth hormone binding its receptor on target cells. Fat cells (adipocytes), for example, have growth hormone receptors, and growth hormone stimulates them to break down triglyceride and supresses their
2006-07-23 06:42:54 · answer #1 · answered by Perkins 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A better question might be: What bodily substance does NOT control the
rate at which we grow.
Perhaps the obvious answer would be Human Growth Hormone.
However, if you are deprived of any of thousands of nutrients, you will not
thrive, perhaps not growing heightwise or in some other fashion.
As far as I know, HGH is the only substance where adding it to
healthy individuals may cause them to grow more than they genetically
would have.
2006-07-23 13:42:22 · answer #2 · answered by Elana 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The growth rate is a complicated interplay between hormones and genetics. However, the hormone most directly related to linear growth (getting taller) is human growth hormone.
2006-07-23 13:43:13 · answer #3 · answered by fightintxaggie98 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Growth is not based on one thing alone. It is genetic as well as environmental. There is a hormone that does have some affect that is called (surprise surprise) Human Growth Hormone.
2006-07-23 13:43:57 · answer #4 · answered by petlover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HGH. Human growth hormone.
2006-07-23 13:49:40 · answer #5 · answered by Clinton E 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pituitary glands, growth plates, puberty.....lots of things
2006-07-23 13:42:10 · answer #6 · answered by JAKESTER420 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Marijuana...just kidding
2006-07-23 13:41:21 · answer #7 · answered by Sally Pepsi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'm not actually sure what the chemical is called, but it comes from your pituitary gland.
it actually might be marijuana
2006-07-23 13:41:43 · answer #8 · answered by howard the dolphin 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your pituitary gland. (It's in your brain.)
2006-07-23 13:42:43 · answer #9 · answered by dgrhm 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋