Question

Name the part of the brain that functions as an endocrine gland. Name and describe the role of the hormone it secretes which is involved in influencing the height of a person.

Answer 1

Hypothalamus is part of the brain and it also functions as an endocrine gland. Hypothalamus secretes 7 different hormones. Out of these 7 hormones following are involved in influencing the height of a person:-

• Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH): As its name indicates, GHRH stimulates cells in the anterior lobe of the pituitary to secrete growth hormone (GH). Growth hormone in turn cause an increase in height.
  
• Somatostatin: It acts on the anterior lobe of the pituitary to inhibit the release of growth hormone (GH). In this way, too much increase of height is checked.