Growth hormone-releasing hormone
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Growth hormone-releasing hormone
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), also known as somatocrinin (pronounced so-ma-to-cri-nin), is a hormone that stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary gland.
Etymology
The term "somatocrinin" is derived from the Greek words "soma" meaning body and "krinein" meaning to separate or to secrete, referring to its role in stimulating the secretion of growth hormone.
Function
GHRH is produced by the hypothalamus, a small region located at the base of the brain. It is released in a pulsatile manner, stimulating the release of GH from the anterior pituitary gland. The release of GHRH is regulated by various factors including sleep, exercise, and stress.
Related Terms
- Growth hormone: A hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans and other animals.
- Hypothalamus: A small region of the brain that produces hormones and regulates body temperature, hunger, moods, and sleep.
- Anterior pituitary gland: A part of the pituitary gland that produces and releases hormones into the bloodstream.
- Hormone: A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs.
See Also
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