Skip to main content

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Somatic Axis

Meaning

The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Somatic Axis, often abbreviated as the HPS axis, is the neuroendocrine pathway primarily responsible for regulating growth, body composition, and metabolic function, largely mediated by Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). This system begins with the brain and extends its influence to the entire body, or soma. It is a fundamental control system for tissue maintenance, anabolic processes, and the overall trajectory of human development and aging. Optimal function of the HPS axis is crucial for muscle mass, bone density, and metabolic efficiency.