Which hormone is linked to physical growth and maturation?

The hormone linked to physical growth and maturation is growth hormone. This hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, plays a crucial role in the development of tissues and organs during childhood and adolescence. It stimulates growth in various body tissues, including muscles and bones, and is essential for overall physical development.

Growth hormone influences the linear growth of bones and promotes the maturation of cartilage at the growth plates, which is vital for height increase. Additionally, growth hormone has metabolic functions, such as regulating body composition by enhancing fat breakdown and supporting glucose metabolism. It works in tandem with other hormones, including sex hormones, to facilitate the physical changes that occur during puberty.

The other options relate to different physiological functions: cortisol, a steroid hormone, is primarily involved in stress responses and metabolism; progesterone mainly plays a role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy; and while testosterone contributes to physical growth and maturation, especially in males, its effects are more specific to muscle development and secondary sexual characteristics rather than overall physical growth in a more general context.