Growth Hormones and Pituitary Functions

These flashcards cover important vocabulary terms and definitions related to growth hormones and the functions of the pituitary gland.

Growth Hormone (GH)

A hormone produced in the anterior pituitary that stimulates growth of muscles and bones.

Anterior Pituitary

The front part of the pituitary gland that produces several hormones, including growth hormone and prolactin.

Epi Growth Plates

Cartilage areas at the ends of long bones where growth occurs, particularly during childhood and adolescence.

Dwarfism

A condition resulting from insufficient growth hormone that leads to shorter stature.

Gigantism

A condition caused by excess growth hormone during childhood, leading to excessive height and size.

Acromegaly

Excess growth hormone in adults, leading to the enlargement of bones and tissues.

Prolactin

A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary, primarily responsible for stimulating milk production in females.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A glycoprotein hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that triggers ovulation in females and stimulates testosterone production in males.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

A hormone from the anterior pituitary that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

A hormone produced during pregnancy by the placenta, similar to LH, involved in maintaining the corpus luteum.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

The rate at which the body expends energy at rest to maintain vital functions.

T3 and T4

Thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, energy production, and overall body function.

Steroid Hormones

Hormones derived from cholesterol, including estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.

Corpus Luteum

A temporary endocrine structure involved in maintaining pregnancy by producing progesterone after ovulation.

Ectopic Tumor

A tumor located in an abnormal position, which may cause excessive hormone production.