Discussion of causes of varying growth rate along with the factors which could cause growth delay. These include: family growth patterns, genetics, malnutrition, illness, stress, endocrine gland deficiencies, and growth hormone deficiencies. A brief discussion of the pituitary gland and the hypothalamic-pituitary-endocrine gland cascade was presented prior to the discussion of the effects of growth hormone. Releasing factors and tropic hormones were differentiated. The cascade for the release of growth hormone was outlined and the effects of increased growth hormone in adults looked at.