How Do Growth Hormones Affect Growth and Development?
Hormone is a chemical substance that is formed in our bodies which controls and regulates the functions of our body. Many of the hormones are secreted by special glands like thyroid hormones are secreted by thyroid glands of our body and they affect the function of that very gland. Hormones are of crucial importance because they help the organs of our body to carry out their functions properly. They even help in our body growth, reproduction, and even sexual characteristics. It also affects how our body stores and releases energy in the form of salt and sugar, which means it has a key role in our metabolism processes, growth of cells, and heart functions like heartbeat and pumping of blood.
Different Types of Hormones
Since we talked about how hormones can be secreted by different glands, we can also point out that there exist three major types of hormones- lipid derived hormones, amino acid derived hormones, and peptide hormones. Lipid derived hormones are derived largely from cholesterol and they are similar in structure too. Examples include testosterone and progesterone, etc. Amino acid derived hormones as the name suggests are derived from amino acids. They are small structured and include hormones secreted in the adrenal glands and thyroid gland. The peptide hormones are those hormones whose molecules are made up of proteins that is why these hormones are also called protein hormones. Examples include the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland and oxytocin etc.
Image will be uploaded soon
What is Growth Hormone?
Growth hormone is a peptide hormone that is secreted by the lobe that is anterior in the pituitary gland. Other than growth hormone it is also called human growth hormone and since this hormone is released by cells called somatotrophs present in the pituitary glands, the growth hormone is also known as somatotropic hormone. As the name suggests, its primary function is to boost the growing process of our body tissues and cells. The growth hormones increase the synthesis of protein in the body which also helps in boosting the breakdown processes of fats which, in return, provide the required energy to the body for cell formation and tissue growth. The growth hormones rarely act directly on the tissues for growth. It is mostly through the generation of insulin-like growth factors that are stimulated by growth hormones in the liver and other parts of the body that it helps in boosting growth processes.
What are The Effects of Growth Hormone?
There are many effects of growth hormone in our body. Some of them are-
Growth Hormone for Height and Other Growth Effects: Growth effects on our body are indirectly boosted by the growth hormones by stimulating the production of insulin-like growth factors in the liver. The insulin-like growth factor helps in breaking down fats to release energy that is required for the formation of tissues in the body. It also stimulates the growth of special cells like osteoblasts in the bone for its growth and development. It is, therefore, understood how pivotal is the role of growth hormones in the growth and development of children. With these, children will not have their proper physiological growth and therefore, no height.
Metabolism Effects: Growth hormones help in improving the synthesis of protein and breakdown of fats to release energy that are required to boost tissue growth in the body. the control over proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids storage and breakdown pretty much sums up the role it plays in metabolic processes. The lipid metabolism takes place by promoting oxidation in cells and the breakdown process of triglycerides. It plays a particularly important role in controlling sugar levels in a body. It improved the metabolism of carbohydrates by preventing insulin activity or boosting glucose uptake.
Health Effects: Growth hormones are associated with diseases as well. These diseases are caused when there is an excess or deficiency of growth hormones in the body. These factors are mostly affected by the abnormal functioning of the pituitary glands. If hormones are in deficit, it can cause problems to the normal functioning of the body including conditions of dwarfism. Two main abnormalities that are related to excess or deficit of growth hormones are- gigantism and acromegaly.
When too much growth hormones are secreted, they cause the tissues to grow abnormally. In children, this disease is called gigantism, and in adults, it is called acromegaly. It is diagnosed by X-rays and blood tests and generally caused by cancerous tumors in the pituitary glands.
FAQs on Growth Hormones: Definition, Types & Biological Importance
1. What exactly is Growth Hormone (GH) and which gland in the body produces it?
Growth Hormone, also known as somatotropin, is a crucial peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration. It is produced and secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain.
2. What are the primary functions and importance of Growth Hormone for the human body?
The importance of Growth Hormone extends beyond just height. Its primary functions include:
- Stimulating Growth: It promotes the linear growth of bones and cartilage, which is essential for increasing height during childhood and adolescence.
- Regulating Metabolism: It helps in protein synthesis, promotes the breakdown of fats (lipolysis) for energy, and can influence blood glucose levels.
- Maintaining Body Composition: GH helps in increasing muscle mass and decreasing body fat throughout life.
- Supporting Organ Function: It contributes to the normal growth and maintenance of all body organs.
3. How does Growth Hormone specifically contribute to a person growing taller?
Growth Hormone stimulates the liver and other tissues to produce Insulin-like Growth Factors (IGFs), primarily IGF-1. This IGF-1 then acts on the epiphyseal plates, or growth plates, which are areas of new bone growth in children and adolescents. It causes the cartilage cells in these plates to multiply and the bone to lengthen, directly resulting in an increase in height.
4. What are the consequences of Growth Hormone deficiency in a person?
A deficiency in Growth Hormone, particularly during childhood, leads to a condition called pituitary dwarfism. This is characterised by stunted growth, where the individual has a very short stature but typically maintains normal body proportions. In adults, GH deficiency can lead to reduced muscle mass, increased body fat, and lower bone density.
5. How do the effects of excess Growth Hormone (hypersecretion) differ in children compared to adults?
The effects of Growth Hormone hypersecretion depend heavily on the age of onset:
- In Children: Before the fusion of epiphyseal plates, excess GH causes Gigantism. This leads to an abnormal and proportional overgrowth of the entire body, resulting in individuals becoming exceptionally tall.
- In Adults: After the growth plates have closed, excess GH causes Acromegaly. Since bones can no longer lengthen, this condition results in the thickening of bones, particularly in the hands, feet, and face, leading to disfigurement and severe health complications.
6. Why is Growth Hormone's role in metabolism as important as its role in physical growth?
While famous for promoting height, GH's metabolic functions are vital for maintaining body homeostasis. It acts as an anabolic hormone by increasing protein synthesis, which is essential for tissue repair and muscle building. Simultaneously, it promotes the breakdown of fat stores for energy. This dual role ensures that the body has the necessary building blocks (proteins) and energy (from fats) to support the growth it stimulates, making its metabolic regulation a cornerstone of its overall function.
7. Is Growth Hormone the only hormone responsible for growth in the human body?
No, Growth Hormone is not the only one. Normal growth is a complex process regulated by several hormones working together. For example, thyroid hormones are essential for bone development and for GH to exert its full effect. Similarly, sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen are responsible for the growth spurt seen during puberty. GH is a primary driver, but it depends on other hormones for a balanced and complete growth process.
