Which gland secretes the hormone that stimulates growth in children?

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Pituitary gland
• C. Adrenal gland
• D. Pineal gland

Answer: (B)

Growth hormone is the key driver of childhood growth, and it is released by the pituitary gland. This hormone acts directly on bones and cartilage to promote growth, and it also signals the liver to produce IGF-1, which drives further cell growth and bone elongation. The thyroid gland contributes to growth and development through thyroid hormones, but the primary stimulus for growth in children comes from growth hormone from the pituitary. Adrenal hormones can affect growth indirectly (e.g., high cortisol can slow growth), and the pineal gland makes melatonin, which is not involved in stimulating growth. So the gland responsible for secreting the hormone that stimulates growth in children is the pituitary gland.