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STH Hormone Full Form

STH Hormone Full Form

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jan 06, 2023 11:39 AM IST

What is the full form of STH?

STH stands for Somatotropin Hormone (STH), situated at the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It is also known as growth hormones (GH). It regulates body growth and metabolism. It also regulates the body's metabolism and reduces body fat.

Hormones

Hormones are chemical messengers that control and regulate various activities of the body. Body functions such as the secretion of molecules to break down food and maintenance of body temperature, sensations, emotions, thirst, hunger, and growth and development are possible due to the presence of these messengers.

Cortisol, dopamine, estrogen, testosterone, melatonin, etc., are actively functioning hormones in our bodies that maintain life processes. Hormones are secreted by ductless glands (endocrine glands) present throughout the body.

Endocrine System

The endocrine system comprises a group of endocrine (ductless) glands that produce hormones for different body requirements. The glands are the pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, thymus, adrenal gland, pancreas, ovary (in females only), and testes (in males only).

They all secrete certain hormones for the regulation of body functions. For example, the thyroid gland located at the neck secretes thyroid hormones that maintain the body's metabolism. While the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain takes care of other glands.

STH - Somatotropin Hormone

Somatotropin Hormone (STH) is also called growth hormone (GH), secreted by the pituitary’s anterior lobe at the base of the brain. It is also commonly called human growth hormones (HGH). Somatotropin Hormone (STH) is associated with the growth and development of the body's cells, including bones.

Excess and deficiency of this hormone cause gigantism and dwarfism, respectively. Somatotropin Hormone (STH) is also used as the synthesised form of growth hormone (GH), beneficial for treating people with growth and development problems.

Functions of STH

The function of Somatotropin Hormone (STH) or Growth Hormones are as follows:

  • STH is vital in the body’s growth and development throughout its lifetime.

  • STH strengthens body structure and metabolism.

  • It maintains, builds and repairs healthy tissues of the brain and body.

  • It helps reduce body fat by increasing body density and muscle mass.

  • Growth hormone is also essential for the healthy growth of toddlers and young teens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are hormones called chemical messengers?

 It is because these hormones carry information to the different parts of the body to perform specific functions. And the change in concentration of the hormone leads to improper body functioning.

2. What is the role of hormones?

Hormones regulate and control various functions of the body.

3. Name some hormones present in the body.

Some hormones are estrogen, progesterone, melatonin, thyroid, follicle-stimulating hormone, etc.

4. What is gigantism?

Gigantism is the abnormal growth of the body caused due to the excess of Somatotropin Hormone (STH).

5. What is dwarfism?

A deficiency of Somatotropin Hormone (STH) leads to insufficient body growth leading to shorter height is called dwarfism.

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