Postnatal Normal Growth and Its Endocrine Regulation

Growth from birth to adulthood is a complex biological process, part of overall morphological development. Linear height growth, as well as morphology, depends on skeletal development as a result of a variety of interactions, including endogenous factors, such as genetics, hormones, and growth factors, and exogenous factors, such as nutrition, physical activity, and psychosocial environment. This article essentially deals with the endocrine control of growth and describes the role of circulating hormones and growth factors. It is noteworthy that a number of genetic, developmental, or acquired diseases have contributed to the understanding of the mode of action of these substances.