Biology 30 – Nervous and Endocrine System Practice Test

Growth is driven by a hormone from the pituitary gland called human growth hormone, also known as somatotropin. Secreted by the anterior pituitary, it acts on bones and muscles to promote growth, especially during childhood and adolescence, by stimulating cells to divide and by triggering the liver to produce IGF-1, which then drives the growth of long bones and overall tissue development. It also supports protein synthesis and tissue repair, and helps mobilize fat for energy to support growth.

The other hormones listed have different roles: thyroid hormone mainly affects metabolic rate and development; adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulates cortisol release from the adrenal cortex; luteinizing hormone regulates gonadal function.