growth (redirected from Growth (disambiguation))

growth (groth)

1. a normal process of increase in size of an organism as a result of accretion of tissue similar to that originally present.

2. an abnormal formation, such as a tumor.

3. the proliferation of cells, as in a bacterial culture.

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appositional growth  growth by addition at the periphery of a particular part.

interstitial growth  that occurring in the interior of structures already formed.

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growth (grth)

n.

1. The process of growing.

2. Full development; maturity.

3. An increase, as in size, number, value, or strength.

4. Something that grows or has grown.

5. An abnormal mass of tissue, such as a tumor, growing in or on an organism.

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growth,

n an increase in size.

growth and development,

n the process of
growth is defined as an increase in size;
development is defined as a progression toward maturity. Thus the terms are used together to describe the complex physical, mental, and emotional processes associated with the “growing up” of children.

growth factor,

n the chemical messengers that induce cell growth by tissue type (e.g., osteoinductive factor, epidermal growth factors).

growth failure,

n a lack of normal physical and psychologic development as a result of genetic, nutritional, pathologic, or psychosocial factors. See also failure to thrive.

growth, grain,

n a phenomenon resulting from heat treatment of alloys. In excessive amounts, this growth produces undesirable physical properties.

growth hormone (GH),

n a single-chain peptide secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in response to growth hormone releasing factor (GHRF) from the hypothalamus. Growth hormone promotes protein synthesis in all cells, increased fat mobilization and use of fatty acids for energy, and decreased use of carbohydrates.

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growth

1. the progressive increase in size of a living thing, especially the process by which the body reaches its point of complete physical development.

2. an abnormal formation of tissue, such as a tumor.

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growth arrest line

a radiologically detectable line parallel to the growth plate in the metaphysis that indicates a temporary cessation of bone growth.

growth check

an event or state, usually the result of inadequate nutrition, parasitism or other disease, which temporarily reduces or stops growth in a young animal. Often followed by a period of compensatory growth.

compensatory growth

increased growth rate during a time period as a result of lower than normal growth rate during a previous period.

growth cone

bulbous enlargement at the tip of every growing axonal fiber in the fetus, from which many long filapodia extend.

growth curve

the curve obtained by plotting increase in size or numbers against the elapsed time.

growth disorders

are sometimes traceable to excess or shortage of pituitary secretions, and may arise from hereditary defects or from glandular abnormalities. Abnormally large secretions of growth hormone can produce gigantism. Failure of the pituitary gland to develop sufficiently or to secrete adequate amounts of growth hormone may result in dwarfism. In adulthood, overproduction of growth hormone may lead to acromegaly.

growth factor

substances which act as local regulators of cell division and function; classified as autocrine (act on cells of the same class) or paracrine (act on cells of a different class).

hematopoietic growth factors

see colony-stimulating factors.

one-step growth curve

a plot typical of the rapid growth of a virus in cell culture when all cells are infected simultaneously.

growth plate

the epiphyseal cartilage at which new bone formation occurs to lengthen long bones during their growth phase. Called also physis. See also epiphyseal plate.

growth promotants

includes all agents used to increase the rate of body weight gain. Used principally in food animals but also in horses with a view to increasing muscle mass and physical performance, and in any species to hasten recuperation in animals debilitated by illness. Pharmaceutical preparations are principally anabolic steroids. Husbandry procedures include estrogen and zearalenone implants and dietary supplementation with antibiotics, monensin and, in the case of pigs, copper.

growth rate

rate of increase in body weight per unit of time, e.g. lb/day in beef cattle.

recombinant growth factor

recombinant growth hormone.

growth retardation

stature smaller than normal; called also runt.

growth retardation lattice

radiodense metaphyseal lines parallel to the epiphyseal plate developing in fetal bone.

transforming growth factor [beta]

a family of extracellular signaling molecules important in the transformation of cells and in growth and development.