Question

Hyper secretion of STH leads to

• A. Dwarfism, acromegaly
• B. Goitre, sterility
• C. Cretinism, myxoedema
• D. Gigantism, acromegaly

Answer 1

The correct option is D Gigantism, acromegaly

Excess production of growth hormone also called somatotropin (STH) can lead to a condition called gigantism in which all body tissues grow rapidly including the bones. If the condition occurs in adolescence before the bones are completely grown (i.e. before the epiphyses of the long bones have become fused with the shafts) the person grows to be a giant (up to 8 feet tall). Acromegaly is a condition in which there is enlargement of certain bones like; the bones of the hands and feet, the cranium, forehead, nose, lower jawbone, and portions of the vertebrae. They are enlarged because their growth does not stop at adolescence. Excess production of growth hormone from the pituitary after adolescence i.e. after the bones are completely grown (i.e. before the epiphyses of the long bones have become fused with the shafts) will result in Acromegaly. Thus, the correct answer is option D.