Hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth of bones?

Hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth of bones?

• A. Growth hormone
• B. Thyroid hormone
• C. Prolactin
• D. Luteinizing hormone

Answer: (A)

Growth hormone from the anterior pituitary drives bone growth by stimulating the growth plates and promoting IGF-1 production, which in turn boosts chondrocyte proliferation and osteoblast activity for lengthening of long bones during childhood and adolescence. This direct effect on bone formation is what makes it the primary hormone responsible for growth of bones. Other pituitary hormones have different roles—thyroid hormone supports overall metabolism and development, prolactin mainly affects lactation, and luteinizing hormone regulates gonadal function—so they don’t primarily drive bone lengthening.

Growth hormone from the anterior pituitary drives bone growth by stimulating the growth plates and promoting IGF-1 production, which in turn boosts chondrocyte proliferation and osteoblast activity for lengthening of long bones during childhood and adolescence. This direct effect on bone formation is what makes it the primary hormone responsible for growth of bones. Other pituitary hormones have different roles—thyroid hormone supports overall metabolism and development, prolactin mainly affects lactation, and luteinizing hormone regulates gonadal function—so they don’t primarily drive bone lengthening.