2425_Control_of_Growth_GH__IGF__Thyroid

Human Growth Hormone (hGH)

A polypeptide secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates growth and regulates metabolism.

Insulin-like Growth Factors (IGFs)

Peptides that mediate the effects of growth hormone, particularly IGF-1 which plays a crucial role in growth and development.

Thyroid Hormones

Hormones produced by the thyroid gland (T3 and T4) that regulate metabolism, growth, and development.

Somatotropin

Another name for growth hormone (hGH), which is important for growth stimulation.

GHRH

Growth hormone-releasing hormone, which stimulates the release of hGH from the anterior pituitary.

GHIH

Growth hormone-inhibiting hormone, which inhibits the release of hGH.

Hypothalamic-pituitary axis

A complex set of interactions between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland that regulates hormone release.

Growth Velocity

The rate of growth in height or length over time, typically measured in mm/year.

Epiphyseal Growth Plates

Regions at the ends of long bones where new bone growth occurs; crucial for lengthening bones during childhood and adolescence.

Calcitonin

A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate calcium levels in the blood, particularly reducing blood calcium.

Androgens

Male sex hormones that stimulate the development of male physical characteristics and influence growth.

Estrogens

Female sex hormones that play a crucial role in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics.

Somatopause

The gradual decline in hGH secretion and IGF-1 levels with age.

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates metabolism and responses to stress.

Skeletal Growth

The process by which bones lengthen and increase in size, influenced by various hormones.

Diabetogenic Effect

The effect of a substance (like hGH) that induces insulin resistance, raising blood glucose levels.

Retinoic Acid

A metabolite of Vitamin A that interacts with thyroid hormones in regulating growth.

Congenital Iodine Deficiency Syndrome (CIDS)

A condition caused by iodine deficiency during pregnancy that affects thyroid hormone production and development.

Feedback Loop

A regulatory mechanism in which the output of a process influences its own production.

Pubertal Growth Spurt

An accelerated period of growth that occurs during puberty, influenced by sex steroids and growth hormones.

Osteoblasts

Cells responsible for bone formation.

Chondrocytes

Cells found in cartilage that contribute to bone growth.