The slow childhood physical growth extends the period of brain development that occurs earlier in other species. Allows time to develop technical and social skills. Will return to this in Neandertals. The human growth pattern is unique. HGH, pituitary mediates general growth and size.
Pituitary tumors cause gigantism and acromegaly when hormone secretion increased.
Childhood decrease results in small size, cretinism. Adrenal hormones, androgens mediate body mass, corticosteroids for response to stress in multiple body systems. Gonadal hormones, testosterone and estrogen. Testosterone and aggressiveness. Estrogen and cardiovascular status, bone mineral.