melanocyte-stimulating hormone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “melanocyte-stimulating hormone” mean?
A hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, that stimulates the production and release of melanin (dark pigment) by melanocyte cells in the skin and hair.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, that stimulates the production and release of melanin (dark pigment) by melanocyte cells in the skin and hair.
Refers to a group of peptide hormones (alpha-MSH, beta-MSH, gamma-MSH) involved not only in pigmentation but also in regulating appetite, sexual arousal, and inflammatory responses.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or lexical differences. Both use the full term and the abbreviation 'MSH'.
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse; exclusive to technical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “melanocyte-stimulating hormone” in a Sentence
The pituitary gland secretes melanocyte-stimulating hormone.Levels of MSH were measured.MSH binds to its receptor.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “melanocyte-stimulating hormone” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The MSH pathway is complex.
- She studied melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptors.
American English
- The MSH pathway is complex.
- He researched melanocyte-stimulating hormone activity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biology, medicine, and biochemistry papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in clinical reports, lab studies, and pharmacological research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “melanocyte-stimulating hormone”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “melanocyte-stimulating hormone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “melanocyte-stimulating hormone”
- Misspelling as 'melanocyte stimulating hormone' without the hyphen.
- Confusing it with melatonin or melanin.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It primarily stimulates melanocytes to produce melanin, which darkens skin and hair. It also has roles in appetite regulation and inflammation.
No. MSH is produced by the pituitary gland and affects pigmentation and appetite. Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland and regulates sleep-wake cycles.
It is produced and secreted by the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland in most vertebrates, including humans.
The main types are alpha-MSH, beta-MSH, and gamma-MSH, which are derived from a larger precursor protein called proopiomelanocortin (POMC).
A hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, that stimulates the production and release of melanin (dark pigment) by melanocyte cells in the skin and hair.
Melanocyte-stimulating hormone is usually technical/scientific in register.
Melanocyte-stimulating hormone: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmel.ən.əʊ.saɪtˌstɪm.jʊ.leɪ.tɪŋ ˈhɔː.məʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmel.ə.noʊ.saɪtˌstɪm.jə.leɪ.t̬ɪŋ ˈhɔːr.moʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MELANin + CYTE (cell) + STIMULATING = the hormone that stimulates the pigment-making cells.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MESSENGER SWITCH for colour and appetite.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary gland that produces melanocyte-stimulating hormone?