Question

Gigantism and acromegaly are two defects produced due to improper functioning of

• A. Thyroid
• B. Pituitary
• C. Thyroid and pituitary
• D. Thyroid, pituitary and thymus

Answer 1

The correct option is B Pituitary

• Thyroid gland is situated between the trachea and larynx in the neck and secretes thyroxine hormone which increases oxygen consumption by metabolically active tissues.
• Pituitary gland is the master gland that regulates the activity of other endocrine glands and secretes many hormones like growth hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone etc.
• Thymus gland is associated with the development of immune system and present on the dorsal side of heart. It secretes thymosin hormone which plays an important role in the differentiation of T-lymphocytes.

Gigantism is caused due to hypersecretion of growth hormone due to which there is excessive growth of bones and internal organs also get enlarged. Acromegaly is caused due to hypersecretion of growth hormone in adults due to which the bones become abnormally thick and soft tissues also get thickened. Hence, gigantism and acromegaly are caused due to improper functioning of pituitary gland because it secretes growth hormone.

So, the correct answer is 'Pituitary'.