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Which of the following is the primary function of the growth hormone (somatotropin) secreted by the pituitary gland?
Regulation of blood sugar
Stimulation of protein synthesis and bone growth
Regulation of thyroid hormones
Digestion of fats
Stimulation of protein synthesis and bone growth
Growth hormone (GH), also known as somatotropin, is a peptide hormone secreted by the somatotropic cells of the anterior pituitary gland. Its primary function is to stimulate growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans by promoting protein synthesis and the elongation of long bones.
Growth hormone (GH), also known as somatotropin, is a peptide hormone secreted by the somatotropic cells of the anterior pituitary gland. Its primary function is to stimulate growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans by promoting protein synthesis and the elongation of long bones.
Think of Growth Hormone as the 'Project Manager' of a construction site; it orders the raw materials (amino acids) to build the walls (proteins) and expands the structural foundation (bones) of the entire building (the body).
GH = Grows Height (and tissues)
Protein┬аSynthesisтИЭGH┬аconcentration
IGF-1=Liver┬аOutput├ЧGH┬аStimulation
GH acts directly on target tissues and indirectly by stimulating the liver to produce insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 binds to receptors on osteoblasts and chondrocytes to increase bone mineral density and length. Simultaneously, it enhances amino acid uptake and increases the rate of protein synthesis in muscle cells through the activation of the mTOR pathway.
Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
Promotes lipolysis and inhibits glucose uptake, conserving blood sugar levels for the brain.
Essential for linear growth during childhood and adolescence.
Production levels are highest during deep sleep.
Increases bone density
Maintains muscle mass
Supports lipid metabolism
Excess secretion in childhood causes gigantism
Excess secretion in adulthood causes acromegaly
Treatment of growth hormone deficiency in children
Management of muscle wasting in chronic illness
Option A: Regulation of blood sugar is primarily managed by insulin and glucagon, though GH has a minor anti-insulin effect.
Option C: Thyroid hormones are regulated by TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), not GH.
Option D: Digestion of fats is primarily handled by bile salts and lipase enzymes in the digestive tract.
B is correct тАФ Growth hormone promotes the synthesis of proteins and stimulates the chondrogenesis of bone plates, leading to skeletal growth.
Always differentiate between direct actions (metabolic effects like fat burning) and indirect actions (growth effects mediated by IGF-1) when answering complex physiology questions.