Längdstillväxt

Längdstillväxt refers to the process of an organism increasing in height or length. In humans, this process primarily occurs from birth until skeletal maturity, typically in the late teens or early twenties. The most rapid period of growth is during infancy and puberty. Several factors influence an individual's final height, including genetics, nutrition, hormonal regulation, and overall health.

Genetics plays a significant role, as parents' heights often correlate with their children's. However, this genetic potential can be influenced by environmental factors. Adequate nutrition is crucial, particularly during childhood and adolescence, providing the necessary building blocks like protein, calcium, and vitamin D for bone development. Hormones, such as growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland and sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone, are essential regulators of the growth process. Growth hormone stimulates cell growth and reproduction, while sex hormones initially promote a growth spurt during puberty before eventually signaling the closure of the epiphyseal plates in the long bones, thus ending linear growth.

Conditions affecting hormonal balance, severe malnutrition, or chronic illnesses can lead to growth deviations, such as dwarfism or gigantism. Monitoring an individual's growth pattern using growth charts is a standard practice in pediatrics to identify potential growth concerns early on. After skeletal maturity is reached, significant further increase in height is generally not possible.