Final answer:
Key hormones important for athletic development include Growth Hormone (GH), Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), Testosterone, and Cortisol. These hormones manage protein synthesis in muscles and bones, development of reproductive systems, and responses to stress. The use of artificial performance-enhancing hormones, although widespread, carries legal and health consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hormonal responses vital to athletic development include several key hormones. Growth Hormone (GH) is pivotal for increasing protein synthesis in skeletal muscles and bones, while it also promotes the utilization of fatty acids over glucose to spare glucose doses. It has a glucose-sparing effect and a diabetogenic effect by increasing glucose levels in the blood. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is stimulated by GH and it aids in the formation of new protein in muscle cells and bones. Testosterone, an androgen steroid hormone, is secreted by the testes and is crucial for the growth and development of the reproductive system, sperm maturation, and the development of secondary sex characteristics. Cortisol, a stress hormone, can influence metabolic processes and is involved in the body's response to stress.
While some athletes may turn to artificial enhancement through anabolic steroids, which mimic testosterone, such practices are often illegal and banned in competitive sports. These performance-enhancing drugs, alongside others like erythropoietin, can significantly impact muscle mass and performance, though they carry legal and health risks.