Here's the information about growth hormone: 1. Target organ: Growth hormone (GH) acts on many tissues, including the liver, bone, muscle, and adipose tissue. The liver is a key target because it produces insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in response to GH. 2. Endocrine gland: Growth hormone is produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. 3. Stimulus: The primary stimulus for GH release is low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia). Other stimuli include sleep, exercise, stress, and certain amino acids. 4. Action: GH promotes growth and cell reproduction. It stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1, which then mediates many of GH's effects, such as bone and cartilage growth. GH also has metabolic effects, including increasing protein synthesis, increasing fat breakdown (lipolysis), and decreasing glucose uptake by tissues. 5. Clinical correlation: Deficiency in children leads to dwarfism* (short stature). In adults, it can cause increased body fat, decreased muscle mass, and fatigue. Excess in children before epiphyseal plate closure causes gigantism (excessive height). In adults, excess GH causes acromegaly*, characterized by enlargement of hands, feet, and facial bones. Send me the next one 📸