What is the somatotropic
The term somatotropic refers to the actions and characteristics of the growth hormone (GH), also known as somatotropin. This peptide hormone is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in promoting growth and regulating various metabolic processes throughout the body.
Functions of Somatotropic Hormone
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Growth Stimulation: The primary function of somatotropic hormone is to stimulate growth in tissues across the body, particularly during childhood and adolescence. It promotes cell growth, reproduction, and regeneration.
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Bone and Muscle Development: GH significantly influences the growth and development of bones and muscles. It contributes to increasing height during childhood and helps maintain muscle mass in adults.
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Metabolic Regulation: Besides its growth-related functions, somatotropic hormone affects metabolism. It enhances protein synthesis, increases fat breakdown (lipolysis), and influences carbohydrate metabolism by raising blood glucose levels.
Additional Information
Somatotropic hormone exists as a single-chain polypeptide composed of 191 amino acids. The secretion of GH is pulsatile, with levels varying throughout the day, typically peaking during sleep (source: Britannica, Wikipedia, NCBI Bookshelf).
Summary
In summary, somatotropic hormone (GH) is essential for growth and metabolism regulation. It has a profound impact on physical development, especially in children, and continues to play a role in maintaining body composition in adults. For more information on this topic, you can refer to the following links:
- Human Growth Hormone - Better Health Channel
- Understanding Human Growth Hormone - Genentech
- Human Growth Hormone (HGH) - WebMD
- Growth Hormone - Physiopedia
If you have more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!
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