Consider the following statements regarding the growth hormone: 1. It is secreted by the pituitary gland. 2. It is primarily responsible for the development of secondary sexual characters. 3. Its secretion is controlled by the thyroid gland. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (a) 1 only. Explanation Growth Hormone (GH), also known as somatotropin, is a peptide hormone essential for stimulating growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans and other animals. It plays a crucial role in human development. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: Growth hormone is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis). It acts on many tissues throughout the body to promote growth and metabolism. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The development of secondary sexual characters is primarily regulated by sex hormones (testosterone in males and estrogen/progesterone in females), which are secreted by the gonads (testes and ovaries). Growth hormone is responsible for somatic growth (bones, muscles, and tissues) and metabolic processes, not sexual maturation. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: The secretion of growth hormone is controlled by the hypothalamus, not the thyroid gland. The hypothalamus releases Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) to stimulate GH secretion and Somatostatin to inhibit it. Key Takeaway Growth Hormone (GH) is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and is regulated by the hypothalamus. Its primary function is to stimulate somatic growth and metabolism, distinct from sex hormones which regulate sexual characteristics.

NCERT Class 8 Science — Chapter 4: Reaching the age of adolescence

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the growth hormone:

It is secreted by the pituitary gland.
It is primarily responsible for the development of secondary sexual characters.
Its secretion is controlled by the thyroid gland.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (a) 1 only.

Explanation

Growth Hormone (GH), also known as somatotropin, is a peptide hormone essential for stimulating growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans and other animals. It plays a crucial role in human development.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Growth hormone is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis). It acts on many tissues throughout the body to promote growth and metabolism.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The development of secondary sexual characters is primarily regulated by sex hormones (testosterone in males and estrogen/progesterone in females), which are secreted by the gonads (testes and ovaries). Growth hormone is responsible for somatic growth (bones, muscles, and tissues) and metabolic processes, not sexual maturation.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The secretion of growth hormone is controlled by the hypothalamus, not the thyroid gland. The hypothalamus releases Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) to stimulate GH secretion and Somatostatin to inhibit it.

Key Takeaway

Growth Hormone (GH) is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and is regulated by the hypothalamus. Its primary function is to stimulate somatic growth and metabolism, distinct from sex hormones which regulate sexual characteristics.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Reaching the age of adolescence

With reference to the role of hormones in the life history of insects and frogs, consider the following statements: 1. The change from larva to adult is called metamorphosis. 2. In frogs, metamorphosis is controlled by the hormone insulin. 3. Thyroxine production requires the presence of iodine in the water. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the nutritional needs of adolescents: 1. A balanced diet consists exclusively of proteins and vitamins. 2. Iron is essential for adolescents because it builds blood. 3. Chips and packed snacks have high energy but limited nutritional value compared to regular meals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

With reference to HIV/AIDS, consider the following statements: 1. It is caused by a virus. 2. It can be transmitted from an infected mother to an infant through milk. 3. It can be transmitted by sharing syringes used for injecting drugs. 4. It can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the Pituitary gland: 1. It is located at the base of the brain. 2. It secretes insulin necessary for sugar metabolism. 3. It functions independently and does not influence other endocrine glands. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the onset of menstruation, consider the following statements: 1. The first menstrual flow which begins at puberty is termed menarche. 2. Menstruation occurs once in about 10 to 15 days. 3. At 45 to 50 years of age, the menstrual cycle stops, which is termed menopause. Which of the statements given above are correct?

easy

Keep practising Chapter 4: Reaching the age of adolescence

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 8 Science chapters

Correct Option

The correct option is (a) 1 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Growth hormone is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis). It acts on many tissues throughout the body to promote growth and metabolism.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The development of secondary sexual characters is primarily regulated by sex hormones (testosterone in males and estrogen/progesterone in females), which are secreted by the gonads (testes and ovaries). Growth hormone is responsible for somatic growth (bones, muscles, and tissues) and metabolic processes, not sexual maturation.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The secretion of growth hormone is controlled by the hypothalamus, not the thyroid gland. The hypothalamus releases Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) to stimulate GH secretion and Somatostatin to inhibit it.