Human Growth Hormone (hGH)

Molecule of hGH

The human growth hormone affects the tissues all around the body. It can work as a direct hormones or, most of the times, as a tropic hormone.  This hormone is very important to the body development. It is responsible for the protein synthesis, cell division and growth of cartilage, and metabolic breakdown.  It also stimulates the growth of bones and muscles.

Disorders

If the pituitary gland secretes too much of hGH during childhood, the individual will have a condition called gigantism. If the secretion of hGH doesn't stop after the skeletal growth is completed, the individual will have a condition called acromegaly. The bones cannot develop any taller, but they get larger, thus the face widen, the ribs ticked, and feet and hand enlarge. This condition can also cause cardiovascular diseases, sugar intolerance, breathing problems and muscle weakness.
The insufficient hGH production during childhood results in dwarfism which the stature of the individual will be very small compared to the average.