Discuss somatotrophic or growth hormone. State the abnormalities cause due to hyposecretion or hypersecretion of growth hormone?

Somatotrophic or growth hormone : It stimulates growth and development of tissues by increased rate of cell division and protein synthesis. It is released by the anterior lobe of the pituitary or the pars digitalis region.

Abnormalities due to growth hormone :

1. Dwarfism : If GH is secreted in less amount ( hyposecretion), it may cause dwarfism.

2. Gigantism : When growth hormone is secreted in excess it brings abnormality in height. The person grows into a giant with long bones.

3. Acromegaly : If in adults it is secreted in more quantity then it brings enlargement of fingers, chin, toes, arms ,the proportion of the body and the limbs is disrupted. This condition is referred to as acromegaly.