Pituitary gland Growth hormone is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and is vital for physical growth in children. (more) height anatomy Written by Kara Rogers Kara Rogers is the senior editor of biomedical sciences at Encyclopædia Britannica, where she oversees a range of content from medicine and genetics to microorganisms. She joined Britannica in 2006 and... Kara Rogers Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Nov. 21, 2025 •History height, in anatomy, the measurement of the body from the base (usually the soles of the feet) to the top of the head when standing upright. Height represents the longitudinal dimension of the body and is one of the primary indicators of physical growth and development, commonly used in medical and anthropometric assessments to evaluate growth patterns, nutritional status, and overall health. Clinically, height is measured using a device known as a stadiometer. To ensure...

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