Final answer:
Growth hormone (GH) is the hormone that causes growth in the body. It is produced by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland and stimulates protein synthesis and the breakdown of triglycerides.
Step-by-step explanation:
Growth hormone (GH) is the hormone that causes growth in the body. GH is produced by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland and it stimulates the rate of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle and bones. The hormone accelerates triglyceride breakdown in adipocytes (fat cells), leading to a switch in most tissues from utilizing glucose to utilizing fatty acids for energy. This process, called a glucose-sparing effect, promotes growth.