somatostatin

n. a hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that inhibits the release of growth hormone (somatotropin) by the anterior pituitary gland. It is also secreted by cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, where it inhibits the secretion of insulin and glucagon. Analogues of somatostatin are used therapeutically in the control of acromegaly. Also called somatotropin-release inhibiting factor (SRIF).

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Psychology term of the day

December 19th 2024

primary colors

the basic colors from which all the various hues can be produced by mixing different combinations. Some investigators believe human color perception involves combinations of the three primary colors (i.e., blue, green, and red); others contend that yellow, violet, or both should be included because of visual color sensitivity peaks found at those wavelengths.