Somat Health Dictionary

Of the body.... somatic

The physical build of a person. Attempts have been made to link body build with personality type, but with no great success. One approach is to classify people as endomorphs (heavy physique and sociable personality); mesomorphs (strong, muscular build with well-developed bones linked with a physically adventurous temperament); and ectomorphs (thin and lightly built with an introspective nature).... somatotype

Also known as the growth-hormone-releaseinhibiting factor, this is a hormone secreted by the HYPOTHALAMUS and some non-nervous tissues (including the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas). It stops the pituitary-releasing somatotrophin – GROWTH HORMONE. Somatostatin and growth-hormone-releasing hormone are controlled by complicated neural mechanisms linked to exercise, sleep patterns, stress, NEUROTRANSMITTERS and blood GLUCOSE.... somatostatin

Body pain... somatalgia

A group of disorders in which the affected individuals suffer from repeated physical symptoms for which no physical cause can be discovered. Somatisation is the process by which a person’s psychological needs are expressed in the form of physical symptoms. (See also PSYCHOSOMATIC DISEASES.)... somatoform diseases

(Indian) Of the excellent moon... somatra

A condition in which a person complains over a period of several years of various physical problems for which no organic cause can be found. The disorder, which is more common in women, usually begins before age 30 and leads to numerous tests by many doctors. Unnecessary surgery and other treatments may result. The condition is often associated with anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. (See also conversion disorder; hypochondriasis.)... somatization disorder

Synthetic versions of the hormone somatostatin that acts on the pituitary gland, controlling the release of growth hormone.

These drugs are used to treat acromegaly and symptoms associated with some other hormone-secreting tumours (particularly in carcinoid syndrome).

Octreotide is a common somatostatin analogue.... somatostatin analogues

A biosynthetic growth hormone given to children to treat short stature due to growth-hormone deficiency.... somatropin

see human placental lactogen.... human chorionic somatomammotrophin

in DSM-5, a psychiatric disorder characterized by one or more chronic somatic symptoms about which patients are excessively concerned, preoccupied, or fearful, formerly called somatization disorder. These fears and behaviours cause significant distress and dysfunction, and although patients may make frequent use of health-care services, they are rarely reassured and often feel their medical care has been inadequate. The disorder can disrupt personal and family relationships and lead to unnecessary medical and surgical treatment. It is sometimes treated with *cognitive behavioural therapy, *psychotherapy, and/or *antidepressants.... somatic symptom disorder

a group of disorders in which there is a history of repeated physical complaints with no physical basis. They include *somatic symptom disorder and illness anxiety disorder (see hypochondria).... somatoform disorders

n. a protein hormone, produced by the liver in response to stimulation by growth hormone, that stimulates protein synthesis and promotes growth. It is biochemically similar to *insulin and has some actions similar to insulin; it is therefore sometimes said to have insulin-like activity (ILA) or is referred to as insulin-like growth factor (IGF).... somatomedin

n. the body wall of the early embryo, which consists of a simple layer of ectoderm lined with mesoderm. The amnion is a continuation of this structure outside the embryo. Compare splanchnopleure.... somatopleure

n. a rare tumour of the *islets of Langerhans that produces excessive amounts of somatostatin. It is an example of an *apudoma. In severe cases it can cause the somatostatinoma syndrome, consisting of diabetes, gall-bladder disease, and *steatorrhoea due to malabsorption.... somatostatinoma

n. see growth hormone.... somatotrophin