melanocyte-stimulating hormone
[ muh-lan-uh-sahyt-stim-yuh-ley-ting, mel-uh-nuh- ]
/ məˈlæn əˌsaɪtˌstɪm yəˌleɪ tɪŋ, ˈmɛl ə nə- /
noun Biochemistry.
MSH.
Origin of melanocyte-stimulating hormone
First recorded in 1950–55
Words nearby melanocyte-stimulating hormone
melanoblast,
melanoblastoma,
melanocarcinoma,
melanochroi,
melanocyte,
melanocyte-stimulating hormone,
melanocytoma,
melanoderm,
melanoderma,
melanodermatitis,
melanodermic
Medical definitions for melanocyte-stimulating hormone
melanocyte-stimulating hormone
n.
A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that regulates skin color in humans and other vertebrates by stimulating melanin synthesis in melanocytes and melanin granule dispersal in melanophores.
intermedin
Scientific definitions for melanocyte-stimulating hormone
melanocyte-stimulating hormone
A hormone that is secreted by the pituitary gland and regulates skin color by stimulating melanin synthesis in humans and other vertebrates. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone stimulates the melanin-producing cells (called melanocytes) of mammals and the melanin-containing cells (called melanophores) of reptiles and amphibians.