Growth hormone

High school (ages 12+)
Human Body

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/growth-hormone

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scientific name?Somatotropin
2. What is the molecular composition?A 191-amino acid, single-chain polypeptide
3. What is growth hormone and why is it important for growing up?Growth hormone is a natural hormone made in the pituitary gland that helps us grow taller and stronger by encouraging cells to divide and by telling the liver to produce IGF‑1.
4. How does growth hormone help us grow taller?Growth hormone signals the liver to make IGF‑1, and IGF‑1 then helps bone and cartilage grow, which makes us taller.

Polypeptide Hormone: A hormone composed of a chain of amino acids, like growth hormone.
Anterior Pituitary Gland: A key endocrine gland in the brain responsible for secreting multiple vital hormones.
GH-IGF-1 Axis: The interconnected system where growth hormone stimulates IGF-1 production, driving growth.
Anabolic Agent: A substance that promotes tissue building, particularly muscle mass.