Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs)

Definition

Insulin-like Growth Factors are proteins with a high similarity to insulin that play a crucial role in childhood growth and continue to have anabolic effects in adults. They are produced by the liver upon stimulation by growth hormone (GH) and act on various tissues, contributing to growth and development.

Related terms

Growth Hormone (GH): A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration in humans.

Pituitary Gland: A small pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain that produces and releases hormones including GH that regulate various bodily functions.

Hypothalamus: A region of the brain that controls many autonomic functions including temperature regulation, thirst, hunger, sleep, mood, sex drive, and releases hormones that command the pituitary gland