Question

Differentiate between the following pairs on the basis of what is mentioned within brackets.

Acromegaly and Cretinism (symptoms)

Answer 1

Acromegaly:

1. Acromegaly is caused by hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH) in adults.
2. In that case, abnormal growth occurs in bone and soft tissue.
3. The appearance becomes gorilla-like with the lower jaw protruding forward and the forehead slanting forward.

Cretinism:

1. Cretinism is a disorder caused due to hyposecretion of thyroid hormones in children.
2. It is characterised by stunted physical and mental growth in children.
3. It is also known as congenital hypothyroidism.

Acromegaly	Cretinism
Excess GH secretion leads to disproporionate skeletal growth. The appearance becomes gorilla-like with the lower jaw protruding forward and the forehead slanting forward. Soft tissue swelling results in enlargement of hands, feet, lips, ears and thickening of the skin.	Hyposecretion of thyroid hormone in children leads to abnormal mental and physical growth. The tongue thickens and protrudes from the mouth. Short and wide neck, pot belly, scanty hair, swollen eyelids are observed.